Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which condition is often associated with a "ground-glass" appearance on a chest x-ray in neonates?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Respiratory distress syndrome
• C. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• D. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory distress syndrome often presents with a "ground-glass" appearance on a chest x-ray in neonates due to surfactant deficiency. Choice A, Pneumonia, typically appears as patchy infiltrates on chest x-ray. Choice C, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is characterized by hyperinflation and fibrosis, not a ground-glass appearance. Choice D, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, usually shows mediastinal shift and bowel loops in the chest cavity on x-ray, not a ground-glass appearance.

3. A child who has just had definitive repair of a high rectal malformation is to be discharged. What should the nurse address in the discharge preparation of this family?

• A. Safe administration of daily enemas
• B. Necessity of firm stools to keep suture line clean
• C. Bowel training beginning as soon as the child returns home
• D. Changes in stooling patterns to report to the practitioner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care should focus on monitoring changes in stooling patterns, which could indicate complications such as stenosis or obstruction. It is crucial to educate the family on the importance of promptly reporting any changes in stooling patterns to the healthcare provider. Options A and B are not recommended unless specifically ordered by the physician as they can potentially cause harm or discomfort postoperatively. Option C may not be appropriate immediately after surgery and should be guided by the healthcare provider's recommendations.

4. When should a child receive the first dose of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine if the mother is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative?

• A. 2 months of age, before hospital discharge.
• B. Birth before discharge from the hospital.
• C. 6 months of age, at the third well-child visit.
• D. No time (this vaccine is not currently recommended).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If the mother is HBsAg negative, it is recommended that the child receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth before discharge from the hospital. This is to provide early protection against the hepatitis B virus. The second dose of the vaccine is typically given at the first well-child visit, and the third dose is usually administered at a later date. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics govern the recommendations for immunization, including the hepatitis B virus vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as the first dose should ideally be given at birth. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 6 months of age may leave the child vulnerable to infection during the early months of life. Choice D is incorrect as the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, especially if the mother is HBsAg negative, to prevent transmission of the virus.

5. When should the nurse instruct parents to administer a daily proton pump inhibitor to their child with gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. At bedtime
• B. With a meal
• C. Midmorning
• D. 30 minutes before breakfast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or lansoprazole are most effective when given 30 minutes before breakfast. This timing allows the medication to inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid, providing better symptom control throughout the day. Administering the PPI at bedtime (choice A) may not be as effective as giving it before breakfast due to the timing of peak acid production during the day. Giving it with a meal (choice B) might affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Midmorning administration (choice C) is not the recommended time for optimal PPI efficacy.

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