Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is measuring the frontal occipital circumference (FOC) of a 3-month-old infant, notes that the FOC has increased by 5 cm since birth, and observes that the child’s head appears large in relation to body size. Which action is most important for the nurse to take next?

• A. Measure the infant’s head-to-heel length
• B. Observe the infant for sunsetting eyes
• C. Palpate the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging
• D. Plot the measurement on the infant’s growth chart

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Palpating the anterior fontanel for tension and bulging is essential to assess for increased intracranial pressure, which could be indicated by the enlarged head circumference. This assessment can help identify potential neurological issues that need prompt attention.

2. A mother who is breastfeeding her baby receives instructions from the nurse. Which instruction is most effective to prevent nipple soreness?

• A. Wear a cotton bra.
• B. Increase nursing time gradually.
• C. Correctly place the infant on the breast.
• D. Manually express a small amount of milk before nursing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective instruction to prevent nipple soreness when breastfeeding is to correctly place the infant on the breast. Proper latch-on techniques ensure that the baby is properly positioned, reducing the risk of nipple soreness. When the baby is positioned correctly, they can nurse effectively without causing discomfort to the mother.

3. The LPN/LVN is providing discharge teaching for a client who is 24 hours postpartum. The nurse explains to the client that her vaginal discharge will change from red to pink and then to white. The client asks, 'What if I start having red bleeding after it changes?' What should the nurse instruct the client to do?

• A. Reduce activity level and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Go to bed and assume a knee-chest position.
• C. Massage the uterus and go to the emergency room.
• D. Do not worry as this is a normal occurrence.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: If the client experiences a return to red bleeding after transitioning to pink and white, it may indicate possible complications like hemorrhage or retained placental fragments. Instructing the client to reduce activity level and promptly notify the healthcare provider is crucial for timely evaluation and management of these potentially serious postpartum complications. Choice B is incorrect as assuming a knee-chest position is not the appropriate action for red bleeding postpartum. Choice C is incorrect as massaging the uterus without professional assessment can be dangerous. Choice D is incorrect because red bleeding after transitioning is not normal and should be evaluated promptly.

4. A newborn's parents tell the nurse that their baby is already trying to walk. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Encourage the parents to report this to the healthcare provider.
• B. Acknowledge the parents' observation.
• C. Schedule the newborn for further neurological testing.
• D. Explain the newborn’s normal stepping reflex.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When parents report that their newborn is trying to walk, the nurse should understand that newborns exhibit a stepping reflex, which is a normal developmental response. Explaining this reflex to the parents helps them understand that it is a typical behavior seen in newborns rather than true attempts to walk. Encouraging the parents to report this to the healthcare provider (Choice A) may cause unnecessary concern since the stepping reflex is a normal part of newborn development. Acknowledging the parents' observation (Choice B) is a good communication strategy but providing education on the normal reflex is essential. Scheduling the newborn for further neurological testing (Choice C) is not indicated in this scenario as the stepping reflex is a typical finding in newborns.

5. When performing the daily head-to-toe assessment of a 1-day-old newborn, the nurse observes a yellow tint to the skin on the forehead, sternum, and abdomen. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Measure bilirubin levels using transcutaneous bilirubinometry.
• B. Evaluate cord blood Coombs test results.
• C. Review maternal medical records for blood type and Rh factor.
• D. Prepare the newborn for phototherapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The presence of a yellow tint on the skin of a newborn suggests jaundice. The initial step in managing jaundice in a newborn is to measure bilirubin levels, typically done using transcutaneous bilirubinometry. This measurement helps determine the severity of jaundice and guides appropriate treatment interventions. Evaluating cord blood Coombs test results or reviewing maternal medical records for blood type and Rh factor are not the immediate actions indicated when jaundice is suspected. Phototherapy may be considered after confirming elevated bilirubin levels and assessing the need for treatment.

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