Nursing Elites

1. An infant who had cardiac surgery for a congenital defect is to be discharged. What should the nurse emphasize to the parents regarding administering the prescribed antibiotic?

• A. Give the antibiotic between feedings.
• B. Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.
• C. Shake the bottle thoroughly before administering the antibiotic.
• D. Keep the antibiotic in the refrigerator after opening the bottle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ensure that the antibiotic is administered as prescribed.' It's crucial to stress the importance of following the prescribed antibiotic regimen to prevent infections and promote proper healing after cardiac surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the fundamental aspect of adherence to the prescription. Choice C is incorrect as shaking the bottle may not be necessary for all antibiotics and is not a critical instruction in this context. Choice D is incorrect as storage instructions are not directly related to the administration of the antibiotic as prescribed, which is the primary concern in this scenario.

2. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

3. A young child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

• A. A weak radial pulse
• B. An irregular heartbeat
• C. A bounding femoral pulse
• D. An elevated radial blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In coarctation of the aorta, there is narrowing of the aorta leading to decreased blood flow distal to the constriction. This results in a weak or delayed femoral pulse and a relatively weaker radial pulse compared to the femoral pulse. An irregular heartbeat (choice B) is not a typical finding in coarctation of the aorta. A bounding femoral pulse (choice C) would not be expected due to the decreased blood flow beyond the constriction. An elevated radial blood pressure (choice D) is not a common characteristic of coarctation of the aorta; instead, blood pressure may be higher in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to the constriction.

4. A 34-year-old woman, who is 36 weeks pregnant, is having a seizure. After you protect her airway and ensure adequate ventilation, you should transport her

• A. on her left side
• B. in the prone position
• C. in the supine position
• D. in a semi-sitting position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a pregnant woman experiences a seizure, it is crucial to transport her on her left side. This position helps to improve blood flow to the fetus by preventing compression of the inferior vena cava, reducing the risk of further complications. Placing her in the prone position (lying face down) or supine position (lying on her back) may compromise blood flow to the fetus and lead to adverse outcomes. Similarly, transporting her in a semi-sitting position may not provide the optimal circulation needed for both the woman and the fetus during this critical situation.

5. Which of the following techniques represents the most appropriate method of opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury?

• A. lift up the chin and hyperextend the neck
• B. tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck
• C. gently lift the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck
• D. perform the technique as you would for an older child or adult

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct technique for opening the airway of an infant with no suspected neck injury is to tilt the head back without hyperextending the neck. This method helps to keep the airway open without risking injury to the infant's delicate neck structures. Choice A, lifting up the chin and hyperextending the neck, can potentially harm the infant's neck. Choice C, gently lifting the chin while maintaining slight flexion of the neck, is not as effective as tilting the head back. Choice D is incorrect as infants require a different approach compared to older children or adults due to their anatomical differences.

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