Nursing Elites

1. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

2. When assessing a child with leukemia, which clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate?

• A. Petechiae, fever, fatigue
• B. Headache, papilledema, irritability
• C. Muscle wasting, weight loss, fatigue
• D. Decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Petechiae, fever, fatigue. Children with leukemia commonly present with petechiae (due to low platelet count), fever (due to infection), and fatigue (due to anemia), which are classic manifestations of the disease. Option B is incorrect because headache, papilledema, and irritability are more indicative of increased intracranial pressure, not leukemia. Option C is incorrect as muscle wasting and weight loss are not typical initial manifestations of leukemia in children. Option D is incorrect as decreased intracranial pressure, psychosis, and confusion are not commonly associated with leukemia.

3. After surgery yesterday for gastroesophageal reflux, the nurse finds that the infant has somehow removed the nasogastric (NG) tube. What nursing action is most appropriate to perform at this time?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Insert a new NG tube for feedings.
• C. Replace the NG tube to maintain gastric decompression.
• D. Leave the NG tube out as it may have been in long enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is important as the removal of the NG tube can disrupt postoperative care, especially in terms of maintaining gastric decompression. Inserting a new NG tube without practitioner direction can be unsafe and is not within the nurse's scope of practice. Similarly, replacing the NG tube or leaving it out should be decided by the healthcare provider to ensure the infant's safety and appropriate postoperative care.

4. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

5. Kimberly is having a checkup before starting kindergarten. The nurse asks her to do the “finger-to-nose test.” What is the purpose of this test?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Cerebellar function
• C. Sensory discrimination
• D. Ability to follow directions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The finger-to-nose test assesses cerebellar function, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The test evaluates how well the cerebellum controls motor functions and coordination. Choice A, deep tendon reflexes, is incorrect because this test does not assess reflexes but rather cerebellar function. Choice C, sensory discrimination, is incorrect as this test focuses on motor function rather than sensory abilities. Choice D, ability to follow directions, is incorrect since the test primarily assesses motor coordination and not cognitive skills related to following instructions.

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