Nursing Elites

1. The parents of an infant who underwent surgical repair of bladder exstrophy ask if the infant will be able to control their bladder as they get older. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child will need catheterization until bladder control is gained.
• B. Your child will be able to control their bladder like other children.
• C. You should potty train your child at the same time you normally would.
• D. Your child will not have a sphincter mechanism for the first 3 to 5 years, so urine will drain freely.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a congenital defect where the infant is born with the bladder located on the outside of the body. Surgical repair typically occurs within the first 1 to 2 days of life. In the following 3 to 5 years post-surgery, urine will drain freely from the urethra due to the absence of a sphincter mechanism. This period allows the bladder to develop capacity as the child grows. Subsequent surgical interventions will be required to establish a functioning sphincter mechanism. Therefore, the correct response is that the child will not have a sphincter mechanism for the first 3 to 5 years, leading to urine draining freely. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the physiological process and management of bladder exstrophy.

2. The nurse analyzes the results of a patient's arterial blood gases (ABGs). Which finding would require immediate action?

• A. The bicarbonate level (HCO3) is 31 mEq/L
• B. The arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) is 92%
• C. The partial pressure of CO2 in arterial blood (PaCO2) is 31 mm Hg
• D. The partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) is 59 mm Hg

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While all the values are abnormal, the low PaO2 level of 59 mm Hg indicates that the patient is at a critical point on the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve. At this level, a small decrease in PaO2 can lead to a significant drop in oxygen saturation and compromise tissue oxygenation. Therefore, immediate intervention is necessary to improve the patient's oxygenation status. Choice A (HCO3 of 31 mEq/L) may indicate metabolic alkalosis or compensation for respiratory acidosis; however, it does not require immediate action in this scenario. Choice B (SaO2 of 92%) is slightly low but not critically low to require immediate action. Choice C (PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg) is within the normal range and does not indicate immediate danger to the patient.

3. After repair of an inguinal hernia, the infant is being cared for. Which assessment finding indicates that the surgical repair was effective?

• A. A clean, dry incision
• B. Abdominal distension
• C. An adequate flow of urine
• D. Absence of inguinal swelling with crying

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The absence of inguinal swelling when the infant cries or strains indicates that the surgical repair of the inguinal hernia was effective. Inguinal swelling typically occurs with crying or straining in cases of this condition. A clean, dry incision signifies the absence of wound infection post-surgery but does not directly indicate the effectiveness of the hernia repair. Abdominal distension suggests a gastrointestinal issue unrelated to the hernia repair. An adequate flow of urine is not specific to evaluating the success of inguinal hernia repair.

4. A client with asthma has low-pitched wheezes present on the final half of exhalation. One hour later the client has high-pitched wheezes extending throughout exhalation. This change in assessment indicates to the nurse that the client

• A. Has increased airway obstruction
• B. Has improved airway obstruction
• C. Needs to be suctioned
• D. Exhibits hyperventilation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The higher pitched a sound is, the more narrow the airway. Therefore, the obstruction has increased or worsened. With no evidence of secretions, there is no support to indicate the need for suctioning. Wheezes changing from low-pitched to high-pitched and extending throughout exhalation suggest a progression in airway constriction, indicating an increase in airway obstruction. Option B is incorrect because the change in wheezes from low to high pitch does not suggest an improvement in airway obstruction. Option C is incorrect as there is no indication of secretions requiring suctioning. Option D is incorrect as hyperventilation is not typically associated with the described change in wheezes.

5. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?

• A. Arrange to change client care assignments
• B. Explain that this behavior is expected
• C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'
• D. Explain that the child needs extra attention

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering a 16-month-old child exhibiting fear of strangers by clinging to the parent and crying, it is essential for the nurse to explain that this behavior is expected. Fear of strangers typically emerges around 6-8 months of age and can continue into the toddler years and beyond. This behavior is a normal part of development as the child is displaying attachment and trust in familiar caregivers. Changing client care assignments, discussing 'time-out,' or suggesting the child needs extra attention are not appropriate initial actions in this situation. Changing care assignments is unnecessary and does not address the child's emotional needs. Discussing 'time-out' is not relevant as it pertains to discipline strategies for older children. Suggesting the child needs extra attention may misinterpret the situation; the child's behavior is a normal response to a new environment and does not necessarily indicate a need for additional attention.

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