Nursing Elites

1. The new mother asks why her baby has lost weight since he was born. The best explanation of the weight loss is:

• A. The baby is dehydrated due to polyuria.
• B. The baby is hypoglycemic due to lack of glucose.
• C. The baby is allergic to the formula the mother is giving him.
• D. The baby can lose up to 10% of weight due to meconium stool, loss of extracellular fluid, and initiation of breastfeeding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After birth, newborns can lose weight due to meconium stool, loss of extracellular fluid, and the initiation of breastfeeding. This weight loss is a normal and expected physiological process, and infants can lose up to 10% of their birth weight during this period. There is no indication of dehydration (polyuria), hypoglycemia (lack of glucose), or allergy to the formula as reasons for weight loss in newborns. Therefore, answers A, B, and C are incorrect. Answer D provides the most accurate explanation for the observed weight loss in the newborn.

2. The LPN is teaching a first-time mother about breastfeeding her newborn. Which statement, if made by the mother, would reflect that the teaching had been successful?

• A. "My baby should be having at least 4-6 wet diapers a day until 1 month."?
• B. "It's nice that breastfed babies eat a bit less than formula-fed babies."?
• C. "My baby should be nursing 8-12 times a day during this period."?
• D. "I'm a little nervous about my milk coming in tomorrow. I've heard it's uncomfortable."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is, '"My baby should be nursing 8-12 times a day during this period."?' This statement indicates successful teaching because newborns should nurse 8-12 times during the newborn period to ensure they receive adequate nutrition and establish a good milk supply. This frequency helps in meeting the baby's demands for growth and development. Choice A is incorrect because while it mentions the appropriate number of wet diapers a day once the mother's milk comes in, it does not reflect successful teaching about breastfeeding frequency. Choice B is incorrect because it discusses feeding amounts in comparison to formula-fed babies, which is not a direct indicator of successful breastfeeding teaching. Choice D is incorrect because it focuses on the mother's concerns about milk coming in, not on understanding the feeding frequency needed for the newborn.

3. The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach. The nurse should be particularly alert for:

• A. Nasal congestion
• B. Abdominal tenderness
• C. Muscle tetany
• D. Oliguria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach, nasal congestion is a significant concern as it can further obstruct the airway. This can be due to mucosal swelling, bleeding, or edema resulting from the surgery. Nasal congestion requires immediate attention to prevent airway compromise. Abdominal tenderness, muscle tetany, and oliguria are not directly associated with the pituitary gland or the transsphenoidal approach, making them incorrect choices. Abdominal tenderness is more common in abdominal or pelvic surgeries due to intra-abdominal issues. Muscle tetany is related to electrolyte imbalances or neuromuscular disorders, not specific to pituitary surgery. Oliguria is a concern in renal-related conditions, not typically in pituitary tumor surgeries.

4. Before administering Theodur to a 10-year-old being treated for asthma, the nurse should check the:

• A. Urinary output
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Pulse
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the pulse. Theodur is a bronchodilator used in asthma treatment, and one of the side effects is tachycardia (increased heart rate). Therefore, it is essential to assess the pulse rate before administering Theodur to monitor for any potential tachycardia. Checking urinary output (Choice A), blood pressure (Choice B), and temperature (Choice D) are not directly related to the immediate side effects of bronchodilators like Theodur in this context, making them unnecessary assessments.

5. A nurse provides information about feeding to the mother of a 6-month-old infant. Which statement by the mother indicates an understanding of the information?

• A. Meats are really important for iron, and I should start feeding meats to my infant right away.
• B. Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.
• C. I can mix the food in my infant's bottle if he won't eat it.
• D. Fluoride supplementation is not necessary until permanent teeth come in.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.' Egg white, even in small quantities, is not recommended for infants until the end of the first year of life due to its common allergenic potential. Choice A is incorrect because while meats are important for iron, they are not typically introduced to infants until around 6-8 months. Choice C is incorrect because food should never be mixed with formula in the bottle as it may lead to feeding difficulties and inaccurate monitoring of intake. Choice D is incorrect because fluoride supplementation may be required around 6 months depending on the infant's fluoride intake from water. Introducing solid foods like rice cereal, fruits, or vegetables is usually done around 5-6 months, following healthcare provider recommendations.

Similar Questions