Nursing Elites

1. Beta-adrenergic agonists such as albuterol are given to Reggie, a child with asthma, to primarily do which of the following?

• A. Dilate the bronchioles
• B. Reduce secondary infections
• C. Decrease postnasal drip
• D. Reduce airway inflammation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic agonists like albuterol are bronchodilators that primarily work by relaxing and dilating the bronchioles, which helps to alleviate bronchoconstriction, a characteristic feature of asthma. This action leads to improved airflow and easier breathing for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms.

2. During the 5-minute Apgar assessment of a newborn, you note a heart rate of 130 beats/min, cyanosis in the hands and feet, and rapid respirations. The baby cries when you flick the soles of its feet and resists leg straightening. These findings correspond to an Apgar score of:

• A. 9
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 10

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Apgar score is a rapid assessment tool to evaluate the newborn's transition to life outside the womb. The Apgar score is based on five components: heart rate (>100 bpm), respiratory effort (rapid breathing), muscle tone (resisting leg straightening), reflex irritability (crying when feet are flicked), and color (cyanosis to extremities). The described findings match a score of 9, indicating good overall condition and adaptation to extrauterine life.

3. During transport of a woman in labor, the patient tells you that she feels the urge to push. You assess her and see the top of the baby's head bulging from the vagina. What should you do?

• A. Ask the mother to take short, quick breaths until you arrive at the hospital.
• B. Allow the head to deliver and check for the location of the cord.
• C. Apply gentle pressure to the baby's head and notify the hospital immediately.
• D. Advise your partner to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When the top of the baby's head is visible (crowning) during transport, it indicates imminent delivery. In this situation, it is crucial to stop the ambulance and assist with the delivery. This ensures a safe delivery process for the mother and the baby. Waiting to arrive at the hospital or attempting to apply pressure to the baby's head can lead to complications. Allowing the head to deliver and checking for the cord's location is a necessary step during the delivery process, but the immediate priority is to assist in the safe delivery of the baby.

4. What assessment finding places a newborn at risk for developing physiologic jaundice?

• A. Cephalohematoma
• B. Mongolian spots
• C. Telangiectatic nevi
• D. Molding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Cephalohematoma. Physiologic jaundice in newborns can occur due to the breakdown of excess red blood cells. A cephalohematoma, a collection of blood caused by ruptured blood vessels between a cranial bone's surface and periosteal membrane, can lead to increased red blood cell breakdown. This increased breakdown can contribute to the development of physiologic jaundice in newborns. Choices B, Mongolian spots, and C, Telangiectatic nevi, are both benign skin conditions and are not directly associated with increased red blood cell breakdown. Choice D, Molding, refers to the shaping of the fetal head during passage through the birth canal and is not related to the development of physiologic jaundice.

5. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

Similar Questions