Nursing Elites

1. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

2. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment on a 10-year-old girl. The nurse gives her the option of her mother staying in the room or leaving. This action should be considered which?

• A. Appropriate because of the child's age
• B. Appropriate, but the mother may be uncomfortable
• C. Inappropriate because of the child's age
• D. Inappropriate because the child is the same sex as the mother

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is appropriate to give a 10-year-old the choice of having a parent present or not during an exam, respecting the child's growing need for privacy.

3. A 12-month-old child presents to the clinic for a well visit after missing several appointments. The child began her immunization schedule but has missed several follow-up appointments and doses of immunizations. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer initial immunizations from the beginning of the schedule.
• B. The child cannot receive missed immunizations if the schedule is not followed and will not be vaccinated.
• C. The child should only receive the missed doses of immunizations based on the catch-up schedule.
• D. The child should receive double-strength immunizations at this well visit.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Children who began primary immunization at the recommended age but fail to receive all the doses do not need to begin the series again but should receive only the missed doses. The child may receive missed vaccinations on a catch-up schedule per CDC guidelines.

4. What is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hypothermia
• C. Prolonged jaundice
• D. Excessive crying

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prolonged jaundice is a classic sign of congenital hypothyroidism in newborns. In congenital hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to symptoms like jaundice, poor feeding, constipation, and lethargy. While jaundice itself is a common condition in newborns, the term 'prolonged jaundice' specifically points towards the underlying thyroid issue. Hypothermia and excessive crying are not typically associated with congenital hypothyroidism.

5. After 8 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Chris will soon be discharged. His parents seem apprehensive and worry that he may still be in danger. What is this considered by the nurse?

• A. A common parental reaction
• B. Suggestive of maladaptation
• C. A reason to postpone discharge
• D. Suggestive of inadequate bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parents become apprehensive and worried as the time for discharge approaches, which is a common parental reaction. They often have concerns and insecurities about caring for their infant. The worry about potential dangers is a normal adaptive response reflecting the parents' concern for their child's well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to acknowledge these feelings and support parents in gaining confidence in caring for their infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parents' apprehension in this context is a typical emotional response and not indicative of maladaptation, a reason to postpone discharge, or inadequate bonding.

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