Nursing Elites

1. The parent of a 1-month-old infant voices concern about the infant’s respirations. The parent states the respirations are rapid and irregular. Which information should the nurse provide?

• A. The normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
• B. The respirations of a 1-month-old infant are normally irregular and periodically pause.
• C. An infant at this age should have regular respirations.
• D. The irregularity of the infant's respirations is concerning; I will notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Irregular respirations with periodic pauses are normal in a 1-month-old infant. Choice A is incorrect because the normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is higher than the range provided. Choice C is incorrect as irregular respirations are expected in infants. Choice D is not appropriate as irregular respirations with periodic pauses are a normal finding in young infants and do not necessarily indicate a concern that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

2. The presence of which pair of factors is a good predictor of a fluid deficit of at least 5% in an infant?

• A. Weight loss and decreased heart rate
• B. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds and no tears
• C. Increased skin elasticity and sunken anterior fontanel
• D. Dry mucous membranes and generally ill appearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and an ill appearance are good indicators of dehydration in infants, often correlating with a fluid deficit of at least 5%. Sunken fontanels and poor skin turgor are also indicative but were not options here.

3. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

4. The parent of a child hospitalized with acute glomerulonephritis asks the nurse why blood pressure readings are being taken so often. What knowledge should influence the nurse's reply?

• A. The antibiotic therapy contributes to labile blood pressure values.
• B. Hypotension leading to sudden shock can develop at any time.
• C. Acute hypertension is a concern that requires monitoring.
• D. Blood pressure fluctuations indicate that the condition has become chronic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acute hypertension is a common complication of acute glomerulonephritis, requiring frequent monitoring to prevent complications such as encephalopathy or heart failure. Blood pressure fluctuations can occur but are not necessarily indicative of chronic disease.

5. What is the primary concern in a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperlipidemia. Children with nephrotic syndrome often present with hyperlipidemia due to altered lipid metabolism, making it a primary concern in these patients. Hypotension (choice A) is not a primary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Hyperkalemia (choice B) and hypocalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome and are less likely to be primary concerns in these patients.

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