Nursing Elites

1. The educator is teaching about the process of physical growth and development. Which of these describes the directional pattern from head to tail?

• A. Cephalodistal
• B. Cephalocaudal
• C. Proximodistal
• D. Proximocaudal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cephalocaudal development is the correct term that describes the directional pattern of growth from head to tail. This means that the head and upper body parts develop before the lower parts. Choice A, 'Cephalodistal,' refers to growth from the center of the body outward, not head to tail. Choice C, 'Proximodistal,' describes growth from the center of the body towards the extremities, not specifically from head to tail. Choice D, 'Proximocaudal,' is not a recognized term in the context of physical growth and development.

2. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with an order of Ampicillin 250 mg IV in 30 mL of Normal Saline to infuse over 30 minutes. How many mL/hour should the nurse set the pump?

• A. 60
• B. 30
• C. 120
• D. 15

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct setting for the infusion pump should be 60 mL/hour to deliver 30 mL in 30 minutes. To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hour, divide the total volume to be infused (30 mL) by the total time for infusion (30 minutes) and then multiply by 60 to convert minutes to hours. Therefore, 30 mL / 30 minutes * 60 minutes/hour = 60 mL/hour. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not match the calculation based on the given parameters.

4. What findings on physical assessment of a neonate would indicate the need for further evaluation?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Epstein pearls
• C. Low-set ears
• D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears in a neonate suggest major abnormalities and should prompt further evaluation. The correct alignment of the top of the pinnae of the ear with the outer canthus of the eye is crucial. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, is common in newborns and often resolves on its own. Epstein pearls, small cysts on the hard palate, are insignificant and disappear over time. A positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to 1 year of age. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears is the most concerning finding that requires immediate attention.

5. What is the best indicator of fluid balance in a pediatric patient?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Weight
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight is the most accurate indicator of fluid balance in pediatric patients. Changes in weight reflect shifts in body fluid levels more directly compared to other parameters. Blood pressure and heart rate may be affected by various factors other than fluid balance. While urine output is important in assessing renal function, it may not provide a comprehensive picture of overall fluid balance in pediatric patients.

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