Nursing Elites

1. Justine is admitted to the pediatric unit due to the occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis signaling a new diagnosis of diabetes. The diabetes team explores the cause of the episode and takes steps to prevent a recurrence. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from an excessive accumulation of which of the following?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate from renal compensation
• B. Potassium from cell death
• C. Glucose from carbohydrate metabolism
• D. Ketone bodies from fat metabolism

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) results from the excessive accumulation of ketone bodies from fat metabolism. During DKA, there is a lack of insulin leading to the breakdown of fat stores into fatty acids and their subsequent conversion into ketone bodies. These ketone bodies accumulate in the blood, leading to metabolic acidosis and the characteristic symptoms of DKA.

2. 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.

3. What is the main function of the uterus?

• A. Dilate and expel the baby from the cervix.
• B. House the fetus as it grows for 40 weeks.
• C. Provide a cushion and protect the fetus from infection.
• D. Provide oxygen and other nutrients to the fetus.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main function of the uterus is to house and nurture the growing fetus for approximately 40 weeks during pregnancy. It provides the necessary environment for the fetus to develop and grow until it is ready for birth. Choice A is incorrect as the cervix, not the uterus, dilates during labor to allow the baby to pass through. Choice C is incorrect as while the uterus does provide a protective environment, its primary function is not to act as a cushion. Choice D is incorrect as the placenta, not the uterus, is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

4. When you attempt to assess a 22-year-old woman who has been sexually assaulted, she orders you not to touch her. Your MOST appropriate initial action should be to:

• A. obtain a signed refusal and return to service.
• B. transport the patient without performing an assessment.
• C. explain to the patient that she must be examined.
• D. ask a female EMT to attempt to assess the patient.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases of sexual assault, it's important to respect the patient's wishes and provide a female EMT to attempt the assessment if the patient prefers.

5. When assessing a 30-year-old female in labor, what should the EMT do?

• A. Ask the mother when she is expecting to deliver.
• B. Avoid questioning the patient about her medical history.
• C. Determine the stage of her labor by examining her.
• D. Recall that delivery is imminent if she is crowning.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the assessment of a 30-year-old female in labor, the EMT should be aware that delivery is imminent if she is crowning. Crowning indicates that the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening, signaling that the birth is progressing rapidly and the baby will soon be delivered. This is a critical moment that requires preparedness for the birth process and ensuring a safe delivery environment. Choice A is incorrect because asking the mother when she is expecting to deliver is not relevant when the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening. Choice B is incorrect as obtaining the patient's medical history is essential for providing appropriate care. Choice C is incorrect because determining the stage of labor by examining the patient is important but recognizing crowning indicates that delivery is imminent and requires immediate action.

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