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. The LPN is caring for a 1-month-old patient post-surgery. Which pain scale is expected to be used to evaluate post-op pain?

• A. Oucher
• B. Wong-Baker FACES
• C. FLACC
• D. 0-10 pain scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is commonly used to assess pain in infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. This scale is particularly useful in assessing post-operative pain in infants as it evaluates different behaviors and physiological responses to pain. The Oucher scale is more commonly used with children who are older and can provide self-report of pain intensity. Wong-Baker FACES scale is primarily used with children who are older and can indicate their pain level by pointing to facial expressions. The 0-10 pain scale is typically used with older children and adults who can rate their pain on a numerical scale.

3. The clinic nurse is teaching parents about when to call the office immediately for a child with a fever. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

• A. The child has a stiff neck.
• B. The fever is over 40.6 C (105 F).
• C. The child is younger than 2 months.
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: High fever, especially in very young infants, or the presence of a stiff neck can indicate a serious infection requiring immediate attention. A fever lasting more than 3 days also warrants medical evaluation.

4. The parents of a young child ask the nurse for suggestions about discipline. When discussing the use of time-outs, which should the nurse include?

• A. Send the child to his or her room if the child has one.
• B. A general rule for length of time is 1 hour per year of age.
• C. Select an area that is safe and nonstimulating, such as a hallway.
• D. If the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, try another approach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Time-outs should be in a safe, nonstimulating area, with the length typically being 1 minute per year of the child's age, not 1 hour.

5. The apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate for the third time during this shift. What is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Provide tactile stimulation.
• B. Administer 100% oxygen.
• C. Investigate possible causes of a false alarm.
• D. Assess infant for color and presence of respirations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when the apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate is to assess the infant for color and the presence of respirations. This initial assessment helps determine the infant's respiratory status and the need for immediate intervention. Providing tactile stimulation or administering oxygen should only be done after assessing the infant's respiratory status. Investigating possible causes of a false alarm comes after ensuring the infant's well-being through the initial assessment.

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