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. The instructor is teaching a group of new mothers about infant care. Which statement indicates that further teaching is needed?

• A. I should put my baby to sleep on their back.
• B. I can give my baby water if they seem thirsty.
• C. Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients my baby needs.
• D. I should burp my baby after each feeding.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Newborns do not need additional water as breast milk or formula provides all the necessary hydration. Giving water to infants can be harmful and is not recommended as it can interfere with the balance of electrolytes in their bodies. Choice A is correct as placing babies on their back for sleep is the recommended safe sleeping position. Choice C is also correct as breastfeeding does provide all the essential nutrients for babies. Choice D is correct as burping the baby after each feeding helps prevent discomfort from trapped air.

3. What action should you take if a newborn's heart rate is 50 beats/min?

• A. Begin chest compressions.
• B. Reassess in 30 seconds.
• C. Administer blow-by oxygen.
• D. Start positive-pressure ventilations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If a newborn's heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the appropriate action is to start positive-pressure ventilations. Ventilations help deliver oxygen to the newborn's body and support respiratory function, which is critical in cases of bradycardia. Chest compressions are not recommended until the heart rate is below 60 despite adequate ventilation. Reassessment is essential but not the immediate action required in this scenario. Administering blow-by oxygen alone may not effectively address the underlying cause of bradycardia, making positive-pressure ventilations the priority intervention in this case.

4. Alice is rushed to the emergency department during an acute, severe prolonged asthma attack and is unresponsive to usual treatment. The condition is referred to as which of the following?

• A. Status asthmaticus
• B. Reactive airway disease
• C. Intrinsic asthma
• D. Extrinsic asthma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Status asthmaticus is a life-threatening condition characterized by a severe and prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatments. It requires immediate medical intervention to prevent respiratory failure and potential fatality. Reactive airway disease, intrinsic asthma, and extrinsic asthma do not specifically denote the severity and unresponsiveness to treatment seen in status asthmaticus.

5. A postpartum client is concerned about hair loss. The nurse explains that this is:

• A. A sign of nutritional deficiency
• B. A temporary condition due to hormonal changes
• C. An indication of a thyroid disorder
• D. A result of poor hair care during pregnancy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hair loss postpartum is a common temporary condition caused by hormonal changes that occur after giving birth. This condition is known as postpartum alopecia and is a normal part of the postpartum period. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this hair loss is temporary and usually resolves on its own without the need for medical intervention. Choice A is incorrect because postpartum hair loss is primarily due to hormonal changes rather than nutritional deficiency. Choice C is incorrect as thyroid disorder is not typically the cause of postpartum hair loss. Choice D is incorrect as poor hair care during pregnancy does not cause postpartum hair loss.

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