Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. You have just delivered a baby girl. Your assessment of the newborn reveals that she has a patent airway, is breathing adequately, and has a heart rate of 130 beats/min. Her face and trunk are pink, but her hands and feet are cyanotic. You have clamped and cut the umbilical cord, but the placenta has not yet delivered. You should:

• A. reassess the newborn every 5 minutes and transport after the placenta delivers.
• B. keep the newborn warm, give oxygen to the mother if needed, and transport.
• C. massage the lower part of the mother's uterus until the placenta delivers.
• D. give the newborn high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and transport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the appropriate action is to keep the newborn warm, ensure the mother receives oxygen if needed, and prepare for transport. The newborn is showing signs of central cyanosis (hands and feet being cyanotic), which can be due to various reasons, including inadequate oxygenation. Therefore, ensuring warmth and possible oxygen to the mother are important. Additionally, monitoring both the mother and baby during transport is crucial for their well-being.

3. During the initial assessment of the newborn, which of the following data would be considered normal?

• A. Chest circumference 31.5 cm, head circumference 33.5 cm
• B. Chest circumference 30 cm, head circumference 29 cm
• C. Chest circumference 38 cm, head circumference 31.5 cm
• D. Chest circumference 32.5 cm, head circumference 36 cm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During the initial assessment of a newborn, the average head circumference at birth is 32 to 37 cm, while the average chest circumference ranges from 30 to 35 cm. Normally, the head's circumference is about 2 cm greater than the chest circumference at birth. Choice A provides measurements of chest circumference 31.5 cm and head circumference 33.5 cm, both falling within the normal range in terms of actual size and relative size. Choices B, C, and D do not align with the typical measurements seen in a healthy newborn. Choice B has both circumferences below the average range, choice C has the chest circumference above the average, and choice D has the head circumference notably higher than the chest circumference, which is not typical for a newborn.

4. 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.

5. Why should small children ride in the backseat of a vehicle?

• A. They are much less likely to be ejected from the vehicle.
• B. The back of the front seat will provide a cushion during a crash.
• C. They can experience severe injury or death if the airbag deploys.
• D. Their legs are highly prone to injury from striking the dashboard.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Small children should ride in the backseat of a vehicle primarily to avoid severe injury or death that may occur if the airbag deploys. In the event of a crash, the force of an airbag deployment can be dangerous for a child seated in the front seat. Placing them in the backseat reduces the risk of serious harm from airbag impact and is a safer seating position for young passengers.

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