Nursing Elites

1. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?

• A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
• B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
• C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
• D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.

2. What is the most critical physiologic change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

3. The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Ask the parent when the neck was injured
• B. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• C. Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain
• D. Record head lag on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Opisthotonos with pain on flexion is a sign of possible meningitis or other serious neurological conditions, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

4. Which parental statement at the conclusion of a teaching session regarding environmental controls for childhood asthma indicates correct understanding of the information presented?

• A. ''We're glad the dog can continue to sleep in our child’s room.''
• B. ''We’ll keep the plants in our child’s room dusted.''
• C. ''We’ll be sure to use the fireplace often to keep the house warm in the winter.''
• D. ''We will replace the carpet in our child’s bedroom with a hard surface.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Replacing carpet with hard flooring helps to reduce allergens and asthma triggers in the child’s environment. Choice A is incorrect as having a dog in the child’s room can worsen asthma symptoms due to pet dander. Choice B is incorrect because keeping plants in the child’s room can increase mold spores and allergens. Choice C is incorrect as using a fireplace can introduce smoke and other irritants into the air, worsening asthma symptoms.

5. What is an important priority in dealing with the child suspected of having Wilms tumor?

• A. Intervening to minimize bleeding
• B. Monitoring temperature for infection
• C. Ensuring the abdomen is protected from palpation
• D. Teaching parents how to manage parenteral nutrition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct priority in dealing with a child suspected of having Wilms tumor is ensuring the abdomen is protected from palpation. Palpating the abdomen could lead to tumor dissemination, which is crucial to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Intervening to minimize bleeding, monitoring temperature for infection, and teaching parents how to manage parenteral nutrition are not the immediate priorities in suspected cases of Wilms tumor.

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