Nursing Elites

1. A woman in labor whose cervix is not completely dilated is pushing strenuously during contractions. Which method of breathing should the nurse encourage the woman to perform to help her overcome the urge to push?

• A. Holding her breath and using the Valsalva maneuver
• B. Blowing repeatedly in short puffs
• C. Cleansing breaths
• D. Deep inspiration and expiration at the beginning and end, respectively, of each contraction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If a woman pushes strenuously before the cervix is completely dilated, she risks injury to the cervix and the fetal head. Blowing prevents closure of the glottis and breath-holding, helping overcome the urge to push strenuously. The woman would be encouraged to blow repeatedly, using short puffs, when the urge to push is strong. This breathing technique allows for controlled exhalation and helps prevent unnecessary pushing. Cleansing breaths (deep inspiration and expiration at the beginning and end of each contraction) are encouraged during the first stage of labor to provide oxygenation and reduce myometrial hypoxia and to promote relaxation. Holding her breath and using the Valsalva maneuver (choice A) is not recommended as it can increase intra-abdominal pressure and decrease venous return, potentially compromising fetal oxygenation. Deep inspiration and expiration at the beginning and end of each contraction (choice D) are more suitable for relaxation and oxygenation purposes rather than managing the urge to push.

2. A new mother is being discharged from the maternity unit and provided with information about signs and symptoms to report to her health care provider. Which statement by the mother indicates a need for further information?

• A. ''I will call my nurse-midwife if I experience any redness, swelling, or tenderness in my legs.''
• B. ''My temperature needs to remain within a normal range.''
• C. ''Frequent urination and burning when I urinate are expected.''
• D. ''Feelings of pelvic fullness or pelvic pressure are a sign of a problem.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Frequent urination and burning when I urinate are expected.' This statement by the mother indicates a need for further information because these symptoms are not normal and could indicate a urinary tract infection or another issue that needs medical attention. The other choices correctly reflect signs and symptoms that should be reported to the health care provider. Redness, swelling, or tenderness in the legs can indicate a blood clot, and feelings of pelvic fullness or pressure can be signs of a problem. Monitoring temperature is also important to ensure there is no infection or other complications postpartum.

3. How does the family carry out its health care functions?

• A. The family provides very little preventive health care to its members at home.
• B. The family provides preventive health care to its members at home.
• C. The family pays for most health services.
• D. The family decides when and where to hospitalize its members.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Families play a crucial role in providing preventive health care to their members at home. This includes activities such as promoting healthy lifestyles, ensuring vaccinations, scheduling regular check-ups, and intervening early when health issues arise. Therefore, the correct answer is that the family provides preventive health care to its members at home. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because families are expected to actively engage in preventive health care practices rather than providing very little preventive care, solely paying for health services, or making hospitalization decisions. The focus is on the proactive role of families in maintaining the health of their members.

4. A nurse is preparing to auscultate a client's breath sounds. To assess vesicular breath sounds, the nurse places the stethoscope over which area?

• A. Major bronchi
• B. The xiphoid process
• C. The trachea and larynx
• D. The peripheral lung fields

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To assess vesicular breath sounds, the nurse should place the stethoscope over the peripheral lung fields. Vesicular breath sounds are heard in these areas where air flows through the smaller bronchioles and alveoli. Bronchovesicular breath sounds, not vesicular, are heard over the major bronchi. Bronchial (tracheal) breath sounds are heard over the trachea and larynx, not vesicular sounds. Breath sounds are not heard over the xiphoid process, making it an incorrect choice.

5. The parents of an adolescent tell the school nurse that they are frustrated because their daughter has become self-centered, lazy, and irresponsible. The nurse should provide which response to the parents?

• A. That this is normal behavior for an adolescent
• B. That their daughter's behavior may be a part of adolescent development
• C. That this behavior could be a phase as the adolescent explores identity
• D. To restrict any social privileges until the behavior stops

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During adolescence, identity formation is a significant developmental task. Adolescents may appear self-centered, lazy, or irresponsible as they focus on themselves and explore their identity. Erikson describes this phase as identity formation versus role confusion. It is common for frustrated parents to perceive teenagers this way. The adolescent needs time to introspect and develop a sense of self. Suggesting that the behavior requires a child psychologist is premature and not supported by normal adolescent development. Blaming the behavior on parental spoiling is also inaccurate and unhelpful. Restricting social privileges can lead to resentment and rebellion, rather than addressing the root of the behavior.

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