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. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation and asks if formula is better than breast milk since the baby is premature. What should the nurse respond?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients for preterm infants
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred for preterm infants
• D. Commercial formulas have not been designed to meet preterm infants' needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Human milk is preferred, even for preterm infants, because it contains essential nutrients and antibodies that are particularly beneficial for their growth and development. Choice B is incorrect because human milk is rich in essential nutrients necessary for preterm infants. Choice C is incorrect as commercial infant formulas do not provide the same benefits as human milk. Choice D is incorrect as specialized formulas are available to meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, but human milk remains the optimal choice.

3. The nurse is caring for an infant who was born 24 hr ago to a mother who received no prenatal care. The infant is a poor feeder but sucks avidly on his hands. Clinical manifestations also include hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, and a high-pitched shrill cry. What does the nurse consider as a possible diagnosis for this infant?

• A. Seizure disorder
• B. Narcotic withdrawal
• C. Placental insufficiency
• D. Meconium aspiration syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this case, the infant's symptoms are consistent with narcotic withdrawal. Infants exposed to drugs in utero may display withdrawal symptoms starting around 12 to 24 hours post-birth. The presentation often includes hyperactive reflexes, tremors, sneezing, high-pitched shrill cry, poor feeding, and sucking avidly on hands. Signs such as loose stools, tachycardia, fever, projectile vomiting, sneezing, and generalized sweating are common. These symptoms are not indicative of a seizure disorder. Placental insufficiency typically leads to a small-for-gestational-age child, which is not mentioned in the scenario. Meconium aspiration syndrome primarily presents with respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in this case.

4. Parents of a preschool child ask the nurse, "Should we set rules for our child as part of a discipline plan?" Which is an accurate response by the nurse?

• A. It is best to delay the punishment if a rule is broken.
• B. The child is too young for rules. At this age, unrestricted freedom is best.
• C. It is best to set the rules and reason with the child when the rules are broken.
• D. Set clear and reasonable rules and expect the same behavior regardless of the circumstances.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clear and reasonable rules provide structure and help children understand expectations, promoting consistent behavior and discipline.

5. What interventions would the nurse implement to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

• A. Avoid using alkaline-based soap.
• B. Bathe the infant with sterile water.
• C. Cleanse skin with a gentle alkaline-based soap and water.
• D. Thoroughly rinse skin with plain water after bathing in a mild hexachlorophene solution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks, the nurse should bathe the infant with sterile water no more than two or three times per week. The eyes, oral and diaper areas, and pressure points should be cleansed daily. It is essential to avoid using alkaline-based soaps as they might destroy the 'acid mantle' of the skin. Additionally, cleansing with mild solutions and rinsing thoroughly with plain water is recommended to prevent skin irritation and maintain skin integrity. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the best practices for preterm infant skin care.

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