Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

2. What comment made by a parent of a 1-month-old would alert the nurse about the presence of a congenital heart defect?

• A. He is always hungry.
• B. He tires out during feedings.
• C. He is fussy for several hours every day.
• D. He sleeps all the time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing a 1-month-old tiring out during feedings should alert the nurse to the possibility of a congenital heart defect. This symptom may indicate that the infant is expending excess energy to compensate for a heart issue, leading to fatigue during feeding. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to a congenital heart defect. Being always hungry, fussy, or sleeping a lot are not specific signs of a congenital heart defect in a 1-month-old.

3. What is the appropriate ventilation rate for an apneic infant?

• A. 8 to 10 breaths/min.
• B. 10 to 12 breaths/min.
• C. 12 to 20 breaths/min.
• D. 20 to 30 breaths/min.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During resuscitation of an apneic infant, the appropriate ventilation rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. This rate helps provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation without causing harm to the infant. Choice A (8 to 10 breaths/min) is too low and may not provide sufficient ventilation. Choice B (10 to 12 breaths/min) is slightly below the recommended range, which may not be optimal for effective resuscitation. Choice D (20 to 30 breaths/min) is too high and may lead to overventilation and potential harm to the infant by causing hypocapnia.

4. The nurse is using the New Ballard Score to assess the gestational age of a newborn delivered 4 hours ago. The infant's gestational age is 33 weeks based on early ultrasound and last menstrual period. The nurse expects the infant to exhibit which of the following?

• A. Full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline
• B. Testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, vernix covering the entire body
• C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, slow recoil time
• D. 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Ear cartilage folded over, lanugo present over much of the body, and slow recoil time are all characteristics of a preterm infant. A is incorrect because full sole creases, nails extending beyond the fingertips, and scarf sign showing the elbow beyond the midline are features of a term infant. B is incorrect as testes located in the upper scrotum, rugae covering the scrotum, and vernix covering the entire body are also indicative of a term infant. D is incorrect because a 1 cm breast bud, peeling skin and veins not visible, and rapid recoil of legs and arms to extension are characteristics seen in a more mature infant, not a preterm newborn.

5. A breastfeeding mother reports breast engorgement. The nurse advises her to:

• A. Increase the frequency of feedings
• B. Apply ice packs to the breasts
• C. Avoid breastfeeding until the pain subsides
• D. Use a breast pump to empty the breasts completely

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overfilled with milk. By increasing the frequency of feedings, the mother can ensure that her breasts are emptied regularly, helping to relieve the discomfort associated with engorgement. This advice promotes effective milk removal and prevents further accumulation, which can worsen the condition. Applying ice packs may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of milk accumulation. Avoiding breastfeeding can lead to further engorgement and potential complications. Using a breast pump to empty the breasts completely may be necessary in some cases, but increasing the frequency of feedings is the initial and most appropriate intervention to manage breast engorgement.

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