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 nurse is taking a health history of an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined?

• A. Request a detailed listing of symptoms.
• B. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?"
• C. Interview the parent away from the adolescent to determine the chief complaint
• D. Use what the adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking the adolescent directly about the reason for their visit encourages open communication and helps the nurse understand the primary concern from the patient's perspective.

3. Which condition is most commonly associated with a 'sunset sign' in infants?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Encephalitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'sunset sign,' characterized by downward-driven eyes, is most commonly associated with hydrocephalus. This condition causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to the eyes appearing to be forced downward. Meningitis (choice B) typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but not the 'sunset sign.' Cerebral palsy (choice C) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, not directly related to the 'sunset sign.' Encephalitis (choice D) is inflammation of the brain, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion, but not the specific downward eye gaze seen in the 'sunset sign.'

4. 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.

5. A major reason for the development of respiratory distress syndrome in the preterm infant is:

• A. Excessive surfactant
• B. Lack of surfactant
• C. Immature immune system
• D. Lack of body fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lack of surfactant. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants is primarily due to a lack of surfactant, which is crucial for keeping the lungs inflated. Without adequate surfactant, the alveoli collapse, leading to breathing difficulties. Choice A, Excessive surfactant, is incorrect as RDS is caused by an insufficient amount of surfactant. Choice C, Immature immune system, and Choice D, Lack of body fat, are not directly related to the development of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

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