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 school nurse suspects a testicular torsion in a young adolescent student. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Place a warm moist pack on the scrotal area.
• B. Instruct the adolescent to lie down and elevate the legs.
• C. Refer the adolescent for immediate medical evaluation.
• D. Suggest that the adolescent wear a scrotum-protecting guard.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation. Applying heat or elevating the legs will not alleviate the torsion, and delaying care can lead to testicular necrosis.

3. What is the most critical physiological 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 most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth is the initiation of breathing. This transition is crucial for the newborn to start exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide outside the womb, marking the beginning of their independent respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are important aspects of newborn care but are not as immediately critical as the establishment of breathing for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the newborn's survival and adaptation to extrauterine life.

4. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

5. The parent of a 2-week-old infant asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are necessary because the infant is exclusively breastfed. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. The infant needs to begin taking them now.
• B. Supplements are not needed if you drink fluoridated water.
• C. The infant may need to begin taking them at age 6 months.
• D. The infant can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Breastfed infants may need fluoride supplements starting at 6 months if they are not receiving fluoride from other sources, such as drinking water.

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