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. What is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate?

• A. Plastic spoon
• B. Cross-cut nipple
• C. Parenteral infusion
• D. Rubber-tipped syringe

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A cross-cut nipple is the most appropriate method to feed an infant born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate. Using a cross-cut nipple allows for easier feeding by modifying the flow of milk, which helps in reducing the risk of aspiration in infants with this condition. Plastic spoon, parenteral infusion, and rubber-tipped syringe are not suitable for feeding infants with cleft lip and palate. Feeding an infant with a cleft lip and palate requires special considerations to ensure safe and effective nutrition delivery.

3. A newborn is diagnosed with metatarsus adductus. The parents ask the nurse how this occurred. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

• A. This condition is due to a genetic defect in the bones.
• B. It's most likely from how the baby was positioned in utero.
• C. They really don't know what causes this condition.
• D. There is probably an underlying deformity of the baby's hip.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Metatarsus adductus is a condition where the front part of the foot is turned inward. It is often caused by the baby's position in the womb, leading to pressure on the foot during fetal development. Choice A is incorrect as metatarsus adductus is not primarily caused by a genetic defect in the bones. Choice C is incorrect as the cause of metatarsus adductus is known to be related to intrauterine positioning. Choice D is incorrect as metatarsus adductus specifically pertains to the foot and not the hip.

4. The nurse is teaching the parents of a 1-month-old girl with Down syndrome how to maintain good health for the child. 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 for a child with Down syndrome, they are typically not the primary concern for a 1-month-old. The nurse would be least likely to focus on this aspect as immediate issues such as monitoring for congenital heart defects (echocardiogram), cervical spine abnormalities (radiographs), and respiratory infections are more critical in the early months. Adhering to dietary needs is important, but it is usually addressed as the child grows older and is not the priority during the infant stage.

5. After corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is completed, and the infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Apply adequate restraints.
• B. Administer a mild sedative.
• C. Assess the IV site for infiltration.
• D. Attach the nasogastric tube to wall suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority nursing action after corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial as it ensures proper fluid administration and prevents complications such as phlebitis or infiltration-related tissue damage. Applying restraints (Choice A) would not be appropriate in this situation as it is not related to the immediate post-operative care of an infant with an IV infusion. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not indicated as the primary concern post-surgery is monitoring the IV site and the infant's response to the surgery. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) is not the priority at this time, as assessing the IV site takes precedence to prevent potential complications.

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