Nursing Elites

1. When working with a couple at risk of bearing a child with a genetic abnormality, what is most important for the nurse to incorporate into the plan of care?

• A. Gathering information from at least three generations
• B. Informing the couple of the need for a wide range of information
• C. Maintaining the confidentiality of the information
• D. Presenting the information in a nondirective manner

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When counseling a couple at risk of genetic abnormalities, it is crucial to present information in a nondirective manner. This approach allows the couple to make informed decisions without feeling pressured or influenced. Gathering information from at least three generations (Choice A) may be relevant for genetic counseling but is not the most critical aspect in this scenario. Informing the couple of the need for a wide range of information (Choice B) is too general and does not address the specific approach needed in this situation. Maintaining the confidentiality of the information (Choice C) is important but not the top priority compared to presenting information in a nondirective manner.

2. A family has decided to withhold “extraordinary care” for a newborn with severe abnormalities. How should the nurse interpret this decision?

• A. The newborn has no rights.
• B. It is the same as euthanasia.
• C. It is illegal professional practice.
• D. The newborn is being allowed to die.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Withholding extraordinary care in cases of severe abnormalities is a legal and ethical decision. It allows the newborn to die naturally without aggressive interventions. Choice A is incorrect because all individuals, including newborns, have rights. Choice B is incorrect because withholding extraordinary care is not equivalent to euthanasia, which involves actively ending a life. Choice C is incorrect because such decisions are legally and ethically permissible when made in consideration of the best interests of the newborn.

3. What is one of the most important factors that a healthcare professional must consider when parents of a toddler request to be present at a procedure occurring on the hospital unit?

• A. Type of procedure to be performed
• B. Individual assessment of the parents
• C. Whether the toddler wants the parents present
• D. Probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When parents of a toddler request to be present during a procedure, it is crucial to conduct an individual assessment of the parents. This assessment helps healthcare professionals understand the parents' ability to cope with the procedure, provide support to their child, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all involved. Choice A, the type of procedure to be performed, while important, is not the most critical factor in this scenario. Choice C, whether the toddler wants the parents present, is significant but secondary to assessing the parents themselves. Choice D, probable reaction to the toddler’s response to pain, is important but focuses more on the child's reaction rather than the parents' capacity to provide appropriate support.

4. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are necessary after open-heart surgery to facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the chest cavity. These tubes help prevent complications such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space) or cardiac tamponade (build-up of fluid in the pericardial sac), which can be serious postoperative issues. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because chest tubes are primarily used for draining purposes and not for increasing tidal volumes, maintaining positive intrapleural pressure, or regulating pressure on the pericardium and chest wall.

5. What explanation should be given to a parent about the purpose of a tetanus toxoid injection for their child?

• A. Passive immunity is conferred for life.
• B. Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.
• C. Lifelong active natural immunity is conferred.
• D. Passive natural immunity is conferred temporarily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.' Tetanus toxoid injection provides long-lasting active immunity by stimulating the body to produce its own antibodies. Choice A is incorrect because tetanus toxoid injection does not provide passive immunity. Choice C is incorrect because the immunity conferred by the vaccine is not natural but artificially induced. Choice D is incorrect as the immunity provided by the tetanus toxoid injection is active, not passive.

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