Nursing Elites

1. An infant with a congenital heart defect is being given gavage feedings. The parents ask the nurse why this is necessary. How should the nurse respond?

• A. It limits the chance of vomiting.
• B. It allows the feeding to be administered rapidly.
• C. The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.
• D. The quantity of nutritional liquid can be regulated better than with a bottle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The energy that would have been expended on sucking is conserved.' Gavage feedings are necessary for infants with congenital heart defects as they help conserve the infant’s energy by eliminating the need for sucking, which can be taxing for infants with cardiac issues. Choice A is incorrect because gavage feedings are not primarily used to limit vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as the speed of administration is not the main reason for gavage feedings in this case. Choice D is incorrect because the regulation of the quantity of nutritional liquid is not the primary rationale for gavage feedings in infants with congenital heart defects.

2. After surgery to correct hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in a 3-week-old infant who had been formula-fed, which postoperative feeding order is appropriate?

• A. Thickened formula 24 hours after surgery
• B. Withholding feedings for the first 24 hours
• C. Regular formula feeding within 24 hours after surgery
• D. Additional glucose feedings as desired after the first 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) in infants, it is appropriate to resume regular formula feeding within 24 hours postoperatively to support recovery. This helps maintain adequate nutrition and hydration for the infant. Choice A is incorrect because thickened formula may not be necessary and could potentially cause issues postoperatively. Choice B is incorrect as withholding feedings for the first 24 hours can lead to nutritional deficiencies and delay recovery. Choice D is inappropriate as additional glucose feedings are not typically indicated postoperatively for infants with HPS and may not provide the necessary nutrition needed for recovery.

3. An 8-year-old girl was diagnosed with a closed fracture of the radius at approximately 2 p.m. The fracture was reduced in the emergency department and her arm placed in a cast. At 11 p.m. her mother brings her back to the emergency department due to unrelenting pain that has not been relieved by the prescribed narcotics. Which action would be the priority?

• A. Notifying the doctor immediately
• B. Applying ice
• C. Elevating the arm
• D. Giving additional pain medication as ordered

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action would be to notify the doctor immediately. Unrelenting pain despite medication can indicate compartment syndrome, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Applying ice, elevating the arm, or giving additional pain medication may not address the underlying cause of the unrelenting pain, which could be a sign of a serious complication like compartment syndrome. Prompt medical evaluation is crucial in this situation to prevent potential complications.

4. What are general guidelines when assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion?

• A. Examining the child in the parent's arms
• B. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first
• C. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen
• D. Separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing a 2-year-old child with abdominal pain and adequate perfusion, it is important to examine the child in the parent's arms. This approach helps reduce the child's anxiety, provides comfort, and can facilitate a more accurate assessment. Palpating the painful area of the abdomen first (choice B) may cause discomfort and increase anxiety in the child. Placing the child supine and palpating the abdomen (choice C) without considering the child's comfort and security may lead to resistance and inaccurate assessment. Separating the child from the parent to ensure a reliable examination (choice D) can further increase anxiety and hinder the assessment process. Therefore, examining the child in the parent's arms (choice A) is the most appropriate and effective approach in this scenario.

5. When teaching a class about trisomy 21, the instructor would identify the cause of this disorder as:

• A. nondisjunction.
• B. X-linked recessive inheritance.
• C. genomic imprinting.
• D. autosomal dominant inheritance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: nondisjunction. Trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome, is caused by nondisjunction, which is an error in cell division leading to an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. X-linked recessive inheritance refers to genetic disorders carried on the X chromosome, genomic imprinting involves gene expression based on parental origin, and autosomal dominant inheritance relates to disorders caused by a dominant gene on one of the non-sex chromosomes. In the case of trisomy 21, the cause is specifically related to the error in chromosome division, making nondisjunction the most appropriate answer.

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