Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing new parents for discharge with their newborn. The father asks the nurse why the baby's head is so pointed and puffy-looking. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. His head is molded from fitting through the birth canal. It will become more round.
• B. We refer to that as 'cone head,' which is a temporary condition that goes away.
• C. It might mean that your baby sustained brain damage during birth, and could have delays.
• D. I think he looks just like you. Your head is much the same shape as your baby's.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The corrected response 'His head is molded from fitting through the birth canal. It will become more round.' is the best answer as it explains the physiological reason for the baby's appearance after birth. It reassures the father that the pointed and puffy-looking head is a normal part of the birthing process and will resolve on its own. Choice B is incorrect because while 'cone head' is a term used colloquially, it does not provide a detailed explanation. Choice C is incorrect and should be avoided as it introduces unnecessary worry by suggesting brain damage. Choice D is not an appropriate response as it doesn't address the father's concern or provide accurate information about newborn physiology.

2. You are caring for a 6-year-old child with a possible fractured arm and have reason to believe that the child was abused. How should you manage this situation?

• A. Inform the parents of your suspicions.
• B. Transport the child to the hospital regardless of the parents' wishes.
• C. Call the police and have the parents arrested.
• D. Advise the parents that the child needs to be transported.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In cases where child abuse is suspected, the priority is the safety and well-being of the child. Advising the parents that the child needs to be transported for further evaluation and care is the appropriate initial step. This ensures that the child receives necessary medical attention while also addressing the suspicion of abuse through proper channels. It is essential to involve appropriate authorities and follow established procedures to protect the child and investigate any potential abuse further.

3. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

4. During the 'Provide practical treatment' phase, what is the nurse expected to do?

• A. Greet the mother and inquire about the history
• B. Assess for danger signs
• C. Give appropriate treatment
• D. Check vital signs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the 'Provide practical treatment' phase, the nurse is expected to give appropriate treatment to address the patient's needs. This involves implementing the necessary medical interventions or care based on the assessment findings and treatment plan. While greeting the mother, assessing for danger signs, and checking vital signs are important aspects of patient care, the focal point during this phase is to administer the specific treatment required to manage the patient's condition effectively.

5. How will a ventricular septal defect affect blood flow?

• A. Blood will shunt left to right, causing increased pulmonary flow and no cyanosis.
• B. Blood will shunt right to left, causing decreased pulmonary flow and cyanosis.
• C. No shunting occurs due to high pressure in the left ventricle.
• D. Increased pressure in the left atrium hinders the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A ventricular septal defect allows blood to shunt left to right, leading to increased pulmonary flow. This results in oxygenated blood mixing with deoxygenated blood, causing no cyanosis as the mixed blood is still oxygenated. The shunting from left to right overloads the pulmonary circulation, leading to increased pulmonary flow. Choice B is incorrect because blood does not shunt right to left in a ventricular septal defect. Choice C is incorrect as shunting does occur due to the pressure differences between the ventricles. Choice D is incorrect because the defect affects the ventricles, not the atrium, and does not hinder the circulation of oxygenated blood in the circulating volume.

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