Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider assesses the vital signs of a 12-month-old infant with a respiratory infection and notes that the respiratory rate is 35 breaths/minute. Based on this finding, which action is most appropriate?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Document the findings
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Reassess the respiratory rate in 15 minutes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action since a respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute falls within the normal range for a 12-month-old infant. There is no immediate need for interventions such as administering oxygen or notifying the healthcare provider. Reassessing the respiratory rate in 15 minutes is unnecessary as the rate is within normal limits.

2. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

3. You are dispatched to a residence for a 5-year-old child who is not breathing. Upon arrival, you find the child supine on the floor, cyanotic, and unresponsive. You should first:

• A. begin chest compressions.
• B. open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
• C. apply an AED and analyze the rhythm.
• D. ask the parent for the child's medical history.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering an unresponsive and not breathing child, the initial step is to open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. This action helps to deliver oxygen to the child's lungs and body, which is crucial in attempting to restore breathing and circulation. Chest compressions are not initiated first in pediatric cases unless the child has no signs of circulation after delivering rescue breaths. Applying an AED and analyzing the rhythm is not the initial step in a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, as the primary focus should be on providing oxygenation. Asking the parent for the child's medical history is not the immediate priority when the child is unresponsive and not breathing, as interventions to support breathing and circulation should be the primary concern.

4. What percentage of total body surface area has been burned in a 5-year-old child who experienced partial-thickness burns to his head, anterior chest, and both upper extremities?

• A. 45%
• B. 63%
• C. 72%
• D. 54%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the pediatric rule of nines, the head and neck represent 18%, the anterior chest and abdomen 18%, and each arm 9%. By adding these percentages (18% + 18% + 9% + 9% = 45%), we find that 45% of the total body surface area has been burned in this child.

5. Following delivery of a newborn and placenta, you note that the mother has moderate vaginal bleeding. The mother is conscious and alert, and her vital signs are stable. Treatment for her should include:

• A. carefully packing the vagina with sterile dressings.
• B. massaging the uterus if signs of shock develop.
• C. treating her for shock and providing rapid transport.
• D. administering oxygen and massaging the uterus.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Administering oxygen and massaging the uterus are appropriate interventions to manage postpartum bleeding. Oxygen helps support tissue perfusion, and uterine massage can aid in uterine contraction, controlling bleeding. These actions are indicated when the mother experiences moderate vaginal bleeding post-delivery, as described in the scenario. Careful monitoring for signs of shock should continue while these interventions are implemented to ensure the mother's condition remains stable. Choices A and B are incorrect because packing the vagina with sterile dressings is not recommended for postpartum bleeding unless it is severe and immediate action is needed, while massaging the uterus is a proactive approach and should not be delayed until signs of shock develop. Choice C is also incorrect as rapid transport is not the primary intervention in this scenario where the mother is conscious, alert, and stable, and the focus should be on immediate management of the bleeding.

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