Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is taking vital signs on a group of assigned preschool-aged children. Which assessment finding would indicate the need for further action?

• A. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute
• B. Heart rate of 89 beats per minute
• C. Heart rate of 120 beats per minute
• D. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 120 beats per minute is high for a preschool-aged child and may indicate an underlying issue that requires further assessment. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute (choice A) is within the normal range for preschool children. Similarly, a heart rate of 89 beats per minute (choice B) falls within the expected range. A respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute (choice D) is slightly elevated but may not be as concerning as a heart rate of 120 beats per minute.

2. The LPN is assessing for fontanels on the head of a 6-month-old. Which fontanel is expected to still be present?

• A. Posterior
• B. Anterior
• C. Sphenoid
• D. Lambdoid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anterior. The anterior fontanel usually remains open until about 12-18 months of age, while the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months of age, and the sphenoid and lambdoid fontanels are not typically assessed in routine infant head examinations.

3. A mother has just given birth to a newborn with a cleft lip. Sensing that something is wrong, she starts to cry and asks the nurse, "What is wrong with my baby?" What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Encourage the mother to express her feelings
• B. Explain in simple language that the baby has a cleft lip
• C. Provide emotional support until the practitioner can talk to the mother
• D. Tell the mother a pediatrician will talk to her as soon as the baby is examined

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the mother to express her feelings allows her to process the situation and prepares her for receiving further information in a supportive environment.

4. What is an important intervention in providing a neutral thermal environment for an LBW infant in an incubator?

• A. Use wool blankets.
• B. Avoid using disposable diapers.
• C. Prevent heat loss.
• D. Closely monitor both incubator and rectal temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing heat loss in a low birth weight (LBW) infant is crucial in maintaining a neutral thermal environment. The use of cotton blankets is recommended over wool blankets. Avoiding disposable diapers is not directly related to maintaining a neutral thermal environment. While monitoring temperatures is important, the key intervention is preventing heat loss to ensure the infant's survival.

5. A teen with asthma asks the nurse why it is hard to breathe during an asthma attack. The nurse explains that exposure to a “trigger” results in which of these manifestations?

• A. Bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production
• B. Air trapping and hypo-inflation of the alveoli
• C. Air trapping and decreased blood flow to the upper airway
• D. Bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and excess mucus production

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Asthma triggers cause bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production, leading to difficulty breathing. This combination of manifestations results in narrowing of the airways, making it hard for the individual to breathe effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because during an asthma attack, bronchodilation, muscle relaxation, and decreased mucus production do not occur. Instead, the airways constrict, become inflamed, and produce excess mucus, contributing to the breathing difficulties experienced by individuals with asthma.

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