Nursing Elites

1. In which of the following situations would the EMT MOST likely deliver a baby at the scene?

• A. A tornado has struck and blocked the only route to the hospital.
• B. Contractions are 8 to 10 minutes apart and irregular.
• C. The amniotic sac has ruptured, and contractions occur regularly.
• D. The hospital is 15 miles away, and crowning is not present.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The EMT may be required to deliver a baby at the scene when external factors like a tornado have blocked the only route to the hospital, making it impossible to reach the medical facility in time for delivery. In such emergencies, the EMT must be prepared to manage the childbirth process until further medical assistance can be obtained.

2. Which of the following findings is abnormal?

• A. Rapid, irregular breathing in a newly born infant
• B. Heart rate of 80 beats/min in a 3-month-old infant
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min in a 2-year-old child
• D. Systolic BP of 100 mm Hg in a 10-year-old child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a 3-month-old infant is abnormally low for that age group and could indicate underlying health issues. The normal heart rate for a 3-month-old infant is typically higher, around 100-150 beats per minute. Therefore, this finding stands out as abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choice A is not necessarily abnormal in a newly born infant as irregular breathing patterns can be common during the neonatal period. Choice C falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child, which is around 20-30 breaths per minute. Choice D reflects a systolic blood pressure value within the normal range for a 10-year-old child, which is typically around 90-110 mm Hg.

3. When assessing a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, his blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 140 beats/min and weak. The child's blood pressure:

• A. indicates decompensated shock.
• B. reflects adequate compensation.
• C. suggests increased intracranial pressure.
• D. is appropriate based on his age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 140 beats/min, and weak, indicate decompensated shock. This presentation signifies inadequate perfusion, leading to compensatory mechanisms being overwhelmed, resulting in decompensated shock. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs suggest the body is unable to adequately compensate for the trauma. Choice C is incorrect as the vital signs are more indicative of shock rather than increased intracranial pressure. Choice D is incorrect as such low blood pressure is not appropriate for a child of this age and indicates a critical condition.

4. A new parent reports to the nurse that the baby looks cross-eyed several times a day. The nurse teaches the parents that this finding should resolve in how long?

• A. 2 months
• B. 2 weeks
• C. 1 year
• D. 4 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Transient strabismus, causing the baby to look cross-eyed, is due to poor neuromuscular control of the eye muscles. This condition typically resolves on its own within 3 to 4 months as the infant's neuromuscular control improves. Parents should be reassured that this is a common and temporary issue in infants. Choice A is incorrect as it is too long for the resolution of transient strabismus. Choice B is incorrect as 2 weeks is too short for resolution. Choice C is incorrect as 1 year is too long for transient strabismus to resolve.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who had undergone vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn?

• A. (+) Moro reflex
• B. Heart rate is 80 bpm
• C. Respirations are irregular
• D. Uneven head shape

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 bpm is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn. The normal heart rate range for a newborn is usually higher than 80 bpm, typically ranging from 120-160 bpm. The Moro reflex (choice A) is a normal newborn reflex, respirations being irregular (choice C) are expected due to the immature respiratory control center, and an uneven head shape (choice D) is common due to molding during vaginal delivery.

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