Nursing Elites

1. What findings on physical assessment of a neonate would indicate the need for further evaluation?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Epstein pearls
• C. Low-set ears
• D. Positive Babinski reflex

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Low-set ears in a neonate suggest major abnormalities and should prompt further evaluation. The correct alignment of the top of the pinnae of the ear with the outer canthus of the eye is crucial. Nystagmus, an involuntary eye movement, is common in newborns and often resolves on its own. Epstein pearls, small cysts on the hard palate, are insignificant and disappear over time. A positive Babinski reflex is normal in infants up to 1 year of age. Therefore, the presence of low-set ears is the most concerning finding that requires immediate attention.

2. An infant is born with a gastroschisis. Care preoperatively should include which priority intervention?

• A. Prone position
• B. Sterile water feedings
• C. Monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes
• D. Covering the defect with a sterile bowel bag

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority intervention for an infant with gastroschisis is to cover the exposed abdominal contents with a sterile bowel bag. This action helps protect the intestines from injury, contamination, and dehydration before surgical repair. Choice A, placing the infant in the prone position, is not appropriate as it does not address the immediate need to protect the exposed intestines. Choice B, sterile water feedings, and Choice C, monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes, are not the priority interventions for this condition. Sterile water feedings may not provide the necessary protection for the exposed intestines, and monitoring electrolytes, while important, is secondary to the immediate need for protection and hydration of the exposed abdominal contents.

3. What statement is most descriptive of Meckel diverticulum?

• A. It is present from birth.
• B. Intestinal bleeding may be mild or profuse.
• C. It occurs with equal frequency in both genders.
• D. Surgical interventions are always necessary to treat the problem.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Meckel diverticulum often presents with intestinal bleeding, which can vary in severity. It is a congenital condition, meaning it is present from birth, not acquired during childhood (choice A). Meckel diverticulum is slightly more common in males than in females, so it does not occur more frequently in females (choice C). While some cases of Meckel diverticulum may require surgical intervention, medical interventions can also be sufficient to treat the problem, so it is not always necessary to resort to surgery (choice D).

4. A newborn has been diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. The parent asks the nurse about the symptoms that led to the diagnosis. Which symptoms should the nurse include in the response?

• A. Acute diarrhea and dehydration
• B. Current jelly-like stools and pain
• C. Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension
• D. Projectile vomiting and altered electrolytes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Failure to pass meconium and abdominal distension. Hirschsprung’s disease is commonly diagnosed in newborns due to the failure to pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours after birth and abdominal distension, indicating a bowel obstruction. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not correspond to the typical symptoms of Hirschsprung’s disease. Acute diarrhea and dehydration, current jelly-like stools and pain, and projectile vomiting with altered electrolytes are not characteristic of this condition.

5. The nurse is caring for an infant after a cleft lip repair. Which of these measures should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Position prone
• B. Provide fluids from a cup
• C. Position supine
• D. Avoid elbow restraints

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct measure that should be included in the plan of care for an infant after a cleft lip repair is to position the infant supine. Placing the infant in a supine position helps protect the surgical site from injury and promotes proper healing. Choice A, 'Position prone,' is incorrect as placing the infant prone can put pressure on the surgical site and hinder healing. Choice B, 'Provide fluids from a cup,' is not directly related to the surgical care of a cleft lip repair. Choice D, 'Avoid elbow restraints,' is not specific to the postoperative care of a cleft lip repair.

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