Nursing Elites

1. What clinical manifestation(s) should the nurse expect to see as shock progresses in a child and becomes decompensated shock?

• A. Thirst
• B. Irritability
• C. Apprehension
• D. Confusion and somnolence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As shock progresses and decompensation occurs, confusion and somnolence are indicative of reduced cerebral perfusion. Early signs include thirst and irritability, while confusion and altered consciousness appear as the condition worsens.

2. The nurse is caring for an infant who had surgical repair of a tracheoesophageal fistula 24 hours ago. Gastrostomy feedings have not been started. What do nursing actions related to the gastrostomy tube include?

• A. Keep the tube clamped.
• B. Suction the tube as needed.
• C. Leave the tube open to gravity drainage.
• D. Secure the tube with tape.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Leaving the gastrostomy tube open to gravity drainage prevents the accumulation of air and fluids, reducing the risk of complications such as vomiting or aspiration in the immediate postoperative period. Keeping the tube clamped or suctioning it can lead to pressure buildup, increasing the risk of complications. Securing the tube with tape is important but not the primary action related to the gastrostomy tube in this case.

3. What major complication is associated with a child with chronic renal failure?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Water and sodium retention
• D. Excessive excretion of blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water and sodium retention is a major complication in chronic renal failure, leading to hypertension and edema. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis are less common, and while BUN levels rise, retention rather than excretion is problematic in chronic renal failure.

4. 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.

5. One of the most critical needs of the infant is control of body temperature. The nurse caring for a newborn warms all equipment that comes in direct contact with the newborn to help prevent which type of heat loss?

• A. Convection
• B. Evaporation
• C. Conduction
• D. Radiation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Conduction (choice C). Conduction heat loss occurs when the newborn’s skin comes into direct contact with a cooler surface, so warming equipment helps prevent this. Choice A, Convection, is the transfer of heat through air or water currents, not direct contact. Choice B, Evaporation, is the loss of heat through moisture on the skin evaporating, not direct contact. Choice D, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of waves or particles, not direct contact.

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