Nursing Elites

1. A 1-month-old girl with low-set ears and severe hypotonia has been diagnosed with trisomy 18. Which nursing diagnosis would the nurse identify as most likely?

• A. Interrupted family process related to the child's diagnosis
• B. Deficient knowledge related to the genetic disorder
• C. Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis
• D. Ineffective coping related to the stress of providing care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most likely nursing diagnosis for a 1-month-old girl with trisomy 18, characterized by low-set ears and severe hypotonia, is 'Grieving related to the child's poor prognosis.' Trisomy 18 is associated with a poor prognosis, and families often experience grief as they come to terms with the challenges and uncertainties associated with the condition. 'Interrupted family process' may not be as relevant since the primary focus is on the child's condition. 'Deficient knowledge related to the genetic disorder' could be important but may not be the most likely initial concern, as emotional support for the family is crucial at this point. 'Ineffective coping related to the stress of providing care' is a broad diagnosis that does not specifically address the emotional response to the child's prognosis, which is the primary concern in this case.

2. A 6-month-old infant is diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. What explanation should the nurse provide to the parents about this condition?

• A. It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.
• B. It is an autoimmune disorder affecting multiple organs.
• C. It is a genetic disorder that can be managed with medication.
• D. It is a condition caused by prenatal exposure to toxins.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It is a condition affecting the respiratory and digestive systems.' Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. It is caused by a defective gene that leads to the production of thick and sticky mucus in these organs. This mucus can clog airways in the lungs and block the ducts in the pancreas, affecting digestion. Choice B is incorrect because cystic fibrosis is not an autoimmune disorder; it is a genetic condition. Choice C is partially correct in that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, but merely managing it with medication oversimplifies the comprehensive care needed for individuals with cystic fibrosis. Choice D is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is not caused by prenatal exposure to toxins but is a genetic condition inherited from parents.

3. Which of the following parameters would be LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock?

• A. distal capillary refill
• B. systolic blood pressure
• C. skin color and temperature
• D. presence of peripheral pulses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child with possible shock. In pediatric patients, especially young children, blood pressure may not decrease until significant shock has already occurred, making it a late indicator of inadequate perfusion. Depending solely on systolic blood pressure to evaluate perfusion status in this age group can lead to a delay in appropriate interventions. Distal capillary refill time, skin color, and temperature changes, and the presence of peripheral pulses are more sensitive and early indicators of perfusion status in pediatric patients. Monitoring distal capillary refill provides information on peripheral perfusion, while changes in skin color and temperature can signal circulatory compromise. Evaluating the presence or absence of peripheral pulses offers insights into vascular perfusion. These parameters offer more reliable and prompt feedback on a child's perfusion status compared to systolic blood pressure.

4. A 3-year-old child with a history of frequent respiratory infections is being evaluated for cystic fibrosis. What diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate will be ordered?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Sweat chloride test
• C. Pulmonary function test
• D. Sputum culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the sweat chloride test. This test is crucial in diagnosing cystic fibrosis as it measures the amount of chloride in sweat, which is typically elevated in individuals with cystic fibrosis. A chest X-ray (Choice A) may show characteristic findings like hyperinflation or bronchiectasis, but it is not a definitive diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. Pulmonary function tests (Choice C) may help assess lung function but are not specific for cystic fibrosis. Sputum culture (Choice D) may be used to identify specific pathogens causing respiratory infections but is not a primary diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis.

5. Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is

• A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
• B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
• C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
• D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.

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