Nursing Elites

1. The mother of a one-month-old calls the clinic to report that the back of her infant's head is flat. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Turn the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping.
• B. Prop the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping.
• C. Place a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back.
• D. Position the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Positioning the infant on the stomach occasionally when awake and active can help prevent flat spots on the head. This position allows for more natural movement and prevents prolonged pressure on one area of the head, reducing the risk of developing a flat spot. Turning the infant on the left side braced against the crib when sleeping (choice A) is not recommended as it does not address the issue of flat spots. Propping the infant in a sitting position with a cushion when not sleeping (choice B) may increase the risk of falls and is not suitable for a one-month-old. Placing a small pillow under the infant's head while lying on the back (choice C) should be avoided due to the risk of suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

2. Following a motor vehicle collision, a 3-year-old girl has a spica cast applied. Which toy is best for the nurse to offer this child?

• A. Duck that squeaks.
• B. Fashion doll and clothes.
• C. Set of cloth and hand puppets.
• D. Handheld video game.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, a set of cloth and hand puppets is the best choice for a 3-year-old with a spica cast. Hand puppets encourage imaginative play, creativity, and interaction, which are developmentally appropriate for a child of this age. The soft materials are safe for the child and can provide entertainment and engagement without posing a risk of injury. The other options, such as a duck that squeaks, a fashion doll and clothes, and a handheld video game, may not be as suitable for a child in a spica cast due to safety concerns, lack of interactive play, or developmental appropriateness.

3. A mother brings her 8-month-old baby boy to the clinic because he has been vomiting and having diarrhea for the last 3 days. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to make?

• A. Assess the infant's abdomen for tenderness
• B. Determine if the infant has been exposed to a virus
• C. Measure the infant’s pulse
• D. Evaluate the infant’s cry

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most crucial assessment in this scenario is to measure the infant's pulse. Pulse measurement is essential to evaluate the severity of dehydration, which can be a significant concern in a baby experiencing vomiting and diarrhea for several days. Assessing the abdomen for tenderness may provide information on potential causes of symptoms but is not as urgent as monitoring hydration status. Determining exposure to a virus is important for infection control but does not directly address the immediate issue of dehydration. Evaluating the infant's cry, although a form of communication, does not provide critical information regarding the baby's physiological status in this situation.

4. When should oral hygiene practices start for an infant according to the American Dental Association guidelines?

• A. There is no need to begin until after all of the child's baby teeth are in.
• B. You don't have to worry about that until your child can handle a toothbrush.
• C. You can begin now using toothpaste on a gauze pad and wiping the gums.
• D. Begin wiping the teeth with a washcloth and water when the first tooth appears.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the American Dental Association guidelines, oral hygiene practices should start as soon as the first tooth appears. At this stage, using a soft cloth and water to clean the infant's gums and teeth is recommended to establish good oral hygiene habits early on and prevent dental issues. Choice A is incorrect as waiting until all baby teeth are in is too late for starting oral hygiene practices. Choice B is incorrect as it is essential to start oral hygiene before the child can handle a toothbrush. Choice C is incorrect as using toothpaste on a gauze pad is not recommended for infants with emerging teeth.

5. A 3-year-old child with a high fever and sore throat is brought to the clinic. The nurse observes that the child is drooling and has difficulty swallowing. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer antipyretic medication
• B. Prepare for emergency airway management
• C. Offer the child ice chips to suck on
• D. Assess the child’s hydration status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with drooling, difficulty swallowing, high fever, and sore throat, the nurse should prioritize preparing for emergency airway management. These signs may indicate epiglottitis, a condition that can quickly obstruct the airway, leading to respiratory distress and potentially fatal outcomes if not managed promptly. Administering antipyretic medication (Choice A) may be necessary later but is not the priority. Offering ice chips (Choice C) is contraindicated as the child has difficulty swallowing. Assessing hydration status (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the airway is at risk.

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