Nursing Elites

1. The apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate for the third time during this shift. What is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Provide tactile stimulation.
• B. Administer 100% oxygen.
• C. Investigate possible causes of a false alarm.
• D. Assess infant for color and presence of respirations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when the apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate is to assess the infant for color and the presence of respirations. This initial assessment helps determine the infant's respiratory status and the need for immediate intervention. Providing tactile stimulation or administering oxygen should only be done after assessing the infant's respiratory status. Investigating possible causes of a false alarm comes after ensuring the infant's well-being through the initial assessment.

2. What dietary modification is recommended for a child with cystic fibrosis?

• A. High carbohydrate
• B. Low protein
• C. High calorie
• D. Low fat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high-calorie diet is recommended for children with cystic fibrosis due to their increased energy needs and malabsorption issues. Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, leading to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, which requires dietary adjustments to maintain adequate nutrition. High carbohydrate (Choice A) is not the primary focus; the emphasis is on overall calorie intake. Low protein (Choice B) is not recommended as protein intake is essential for growth and development. Low fat (Choice D) is not the best option as fat-soluble vitamin absorption is already compromised in cystic fibrosis, hence fat restriction is not a priority.

3. What procedure is most appropriate for the assessment of an abdominal circumference related to a bowel obstruction?

• A. Measuring the abdomen after feedings
• B. Marking the point of measurement with a pen
• C. Measuring the circumference at the symphysis pubis
• D. Using a new tape measure with each assessment to ensure accuracy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Marking the point of measurement ensures consistent and accurate assessments of abdominal circumference, especially important in conditions like bowel obstruction where changes need to be monitored closely.

4. What is an important consideration in understanding the reactions of parents when their infant is born with physical defects?

• A. Grief lasts until the defects are repaired.
• B. Denial is a common adaptive reaction.
• C. The psychologic reaction is similar to that with the death of an infant.
• D. Reactions of health professionals to the birth of an infant can affect parents’ reactions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a parent's infant is born with physical defects, understanding the psychological reactions is crucial. The reaction is often similar to the grief experienced when facing the death of a child. Parents need to grieve for the loss of the expected child and adapt to the needs of a child with physical defects. The grief process typically involves stages like shock, frustration, and anger, which can last for years. Denial during the shock phase is not maladaptive but can help parents cope initially. Additionally, parents are sensitive to the behavior of health professionals, whose interactions can significantly influence the parents' reactions to the infant. Therefore, recognizing the similarity of the psychological reaction to grief is an important consideration in understanding how parents cope with their infant's physical defects.

5. 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.

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