Nursing Elites

1. The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?

• A. They will increase tidal volumes.
• B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
• C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
• D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Chest tubes are used to drain air and fluid from the chest cavity to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade after surgery. Choice A is incorrect as chest tubes are not used to increase tidal volumes. Choice C is incorrect as chest tubes do not maintain positive intrapleural pressure; instead, they assist in removing excess air or fluid. Choice D is incorrect as chest tubes do not regulate pressure on the pericardium and chest wall; they primarily aid in drainage.

2. The parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome are being taught by the nurse on how to maintain the child's good health. Which instruction would the nurse be least likely to include?

• A. Getting cervical radiographs between 3 and 5 years of age
• B. Adhering to the special dietary needs of the child
• C. Getting an echocardiogram before 3 months of age
• D. Monitoring for symptoms of respiratory infection

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. While special dietary needs may be important, they are not typically a primary concern for a 1-month-old with Down syndrome compared to monitoring for congenital issues. Getting cervical radiographs, an echocardiogram, and monitoring for respiratory infections are more crucial in the early care of a child with Down syndrome. Cervical radiographs help in assessing for atlantoaxial instability, an echocardiogram is important for detecting congenital heart defects common in Down syndrome, and monitoring for respiratory infections is vital due to the increased risk in these children.

3. When caring for a child diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, what is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Encouraging physical activity
• D. Encouraging frequent handwashing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing intervention when caring for a child with cystic fibrosis is administering pancreatic enzymes. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the digestive and respiratory systems. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial in aiding digestion as patients with cystic fibrosis often have pancreatic insufficiency. While providing respiratory therapy and encouraging physical activity are important aspects of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, administering pancreatic enzymes takes precedence in addressing the malabsorption issues associated with the condition. Encouraging frequent handwashing is also essential in infection control, but it is not the priority intervention specifically related to managing cystic fibrosis.

4. A parent tells the nurse, “My 9-month-old baby no longer has the same strong grasp that was present at birth and no longer acts startled by loud noises.” How should the nurse explain these changes in behavior?

• A. “I will check these responses before deciding how to proceed.”
• B. “Failure of these responses may be related to a developmental delay.”
• C. “Additional sensory stimulation is needed to aid in the return of these responses.”
• D. “These responses are replaced by voluntary activity at about five months of age.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The grasp reflex and startle reflex (Moro reflex) are normal in newborns but typically disappear as the infant's nervous system matures and voluntary control develops. At around five months of age, these reflexes are replaced by voluntary movements as part of the normal developmental process. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A suggests delaying a decision until further assessment, which is not necessary as the disappearance of these reflexes is a normal part of infant development. Choice B implies a developmental delay, which is not the case as these reflexes naturally disappear with age. Choice C recommending additional sensory stimulation is unnecessary and not the reason for the absence of these reflexes.

5. The nurse notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of

• A. poor appetite
• B. increased potassium intake
• C. reduction of edema
• D. restriction to bed rest

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: reduction of edema. In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is often a result of the reduction of edema. Acute glomerulonephritis causes fluid retention and edema due to kidney inflammation. As the inflammation resolves with treatment, the kidneys can excrete excess fluid, leading to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Poor appetite, increased potassium intake, and restriction to bed rest are not typically the primary reasons for weight loss in acute glomerulonephritis.

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