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. Nurses should be alert for increased fluid requirements in which circumstance?

• A. Fever
• B. Mechanical ventilation
• C. Congestive heart failure
• D. Increased intracranial pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fever increases metabolic rate, leading to insensible water loss, thus requiring increased fluid intake. Mechanical ventilation, CHF, and increased intracranial pressure generally require fluid restriction rather than increased fluid intake.

3. The nurse is aware that which age group is at risk for childhood injury because of the cognitive characteristic of magical and egocentric thinking?

• A. Preschool
• B. Young school age
• C. Middle school age
• D. Adolescent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preschool children are at higher risk for injury due to magical and egocentric thinking, which can lead to misjudgments about their abilities and dangers.

4. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

5. A two-month-old infant who has gastroesophageal reflux is thriving without other complications. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Place the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding
• B. Thicken formula with rice cereal
• C. Give continuous nasogastric feedings
• D. Give larger, less frequent feeds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a two-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux who is thriving without complications is to thicken the formula with rice cereal. This can help reduce reflux by increasing the weight of the formula, making it less likely to be regurgitated. Placing the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding (Choice A) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Continuous nasogastric feedings (Choice C) are not typically indicated for uncomplicated reflux in infants. Giving larger, less frequent feeds (Choice D) can worsen reflux symptoms by overloading the stomach.

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