Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?

• A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
• B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
• C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
• D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially. Choice A is incorrect because a 6-week-old infant born without an immune system would not be able to limit exposure to pathogens effectively. Choice B is incorrect as antibodies produced by colonic bacteria are not a significant source of immunity in infants. Choice D is incorrect as the fetal thymus primarily plays a role in T cell development rather than antibody production during gestation.

2. An infant is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with exstrophy of the bladder. What covering should the nurse use to protect the exposed area?

• A. Loose diaper
• B. Dry gauze dressing
• C. Moist sterile dressing
• D. Petroleum jelly gauze pad

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of exstrophy of the bladder, a moist sterile dressing is the most appropriate choice to protect the exposed bladder tissue. Moist sterile dressings help maintain a clean environment, prevent infection, and promote healing. A loose diaper (Choice A) may not provide adequate protection and may lead to contamination. Dry gauze dressing (Choice B) could adhere to the wound and cause trauma upon removal. Petroleum jelly gauze pad (Choice D) is not ideal as it may not provide the necessary barrier against infection and could potentially cause irritation.

3. At 7 AM, a nurse receives the information that an adolescent with diabetes has a 6:30 AM fasting blood glucose level of 180 mg/dL. What is the priority nursing action at this time?

• A. Encourage the adolescent to start exercising.
• B. Ask the adolescent to obtain an immediate glucometer reading.
• C. Inform the adolescent that a complex carbohydrate such as cheese should be eaten.
• D. Tell the adolescent that the prescribed dose of rapid acting insulin should be administered.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rapid acting insulin will help lower the elevated blood glucose level quickly.

4. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old boy whose parents brought him to the clinic when they noticed that the right side of his abdomen was swollen. What finding would suggest this child has a neuroblastoma?

• A. The child has a maculopapular rash on his palms.
• B. The parents report that their son is vomiting and not eating well.
• C. The parents report that their son is irritable and not gaining weight.
• D. Auscultation reveals wheezing with diminished lung sounds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vomiting and poor appetite are common symptoms of neuroblastoma, a malignancy that arises from neural crest cells in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. This tumor can cause abdominal swelling due to its location and size, leading to symptoms like vomiting and decreased appetite. The presence of a maculopapular rash on the palms (Choice A) is not a typical finding associated with neuroblastoma. Irritability and failure to thrive (Choice C) are nonspecific symptoms that can be seen in various conditions but are not specifically indicative of neuroblastoma. Auscultation revealing wheezing with diminished lung sounds (Choice D) may suggest respiratory conditions rather than neuroblastoma.

5. The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse how they can help their child prevent asthma attacks. What should the nurse advise?

• A. Avoid exposure to allergens
• B. Encourage regular exercise
• C. Provide a high-protein diet
• D. Increase fluid intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the parents to avoid exposure to allergens. Asthma attacks are often triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet dander, and mold. By minimizing the child's exposure to these triggers, the likelihood of asthma attacks can be reduced. Encouraging regular exercise is beneficial for overall health but may not directly prevent asthma attacks. Providing a high-protein diet and increasing fluid intake are important for general well-being but do not specifically address asthma prevention.

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