Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

2. What is the most critical physiologic 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 onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

3. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, making them more susceptible to heat loss and requiring careful thermoregulation. Choice A is incorrect because renal function is not directly related to thermoregulation. Choice B is incorrect because a flexed posture actually helps reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have limited subcutaneous fat, which contributes to their susceptibility to heat loss.

4. The clinic nurse is reviewing statistics on infant mortality for the United States versus other countries. Compared with other countries that have a population of at least 25 million, the nurse makes which determination?

• A. The United States is ranked last among 27 countries
• B. The United States is ranked similar to 20 other developed countries
• C. The United States is ranked in the middle of 20 other developed countries
• D. The United States is ranked highest among 27 other industrialized countries

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The United States is ranked last among developed countries with similar populations in terms of infant mortality rates, highlighting a significant public health concern.

5. The nurse is teaching the mother of a 9-month-old infant about administering liquid iron preparation. Which information should be included in the teaching?

• A. Adequate dosage will turn the stools a tarry, black color.
• B. Give Vitamin D to enhance absorption.
• C. Allow the liquid iron to mix with saliva before swallowing.
• D. Give the liquid iron with meals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Iron supplements can cause stools to turn black, which is a normal and harmless side effect. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, although it can be given with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Vitamin C, not D, enhances iron absorption. Choice B is incorrect because Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, not Vitamin D. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to mix liquid iron with saliva before swallowing. Choice D is incorrect because iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

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