Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

2. In which type of cancer are the urinary excretion of the breakdown products of catecholamines, especially vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA), detected?

• A. Neuroblastoma
• B. Nephroblastoma
• C. Leukemia
• D. Osteosarcoma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma, a cancer that arises from nerve tissue, is associated with increased levels of catecholamine metabolites, including VMA and HVA, in the urine. Nephroblastoma (Wilms tumor) is a type of kidney cancer and is not typically associated with elevated levels of catecholamine breakdown products. Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and does not lead to increased VMA and HVA excretion in urine. Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer and is not linked to elevated levels of catecholamine metabolites in the urine.

3. After a 7-year-old with acute diarrhea has been rehydrated with oral rehydration solutions, what type of diet should the nurse recommend following rehydration?

• A. Regular diet
• B. Fruit juices
• C. High carbohydrate diet
• D. BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples, and toast or tea)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After rehydration, a regular diet is generally recommended to ensure proper nutrition and recovery. A regular diet includes a balanced intake of all food groups and nutrients. Fruit juices may be too high in simple sugars and lack necessary nutrients, which can exacerbate diarrhea. While a high carbohydrate diet may be beneficial in some cases, a regular diet is more comprehensive. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, apples, and toast or tea, was previously recommended for diarrhea, but it lacks adequate protein and fat, so a regular diet is now preferred for overall better nutrition and recovery.

4. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation. The mother asks the nurse for information on nutrition and if formula would be better since the baby is premature. What is the foundation for the response to the mother by the nurse?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition.
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients when the infant is preterm.
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred over other types of nutrition.
• D. Commercial infant formulas have not been designed to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Human milk is the preferred food for infants, including preterm infants. It contains essential ingredients necessary for the infant's growth and development. The mother should pump her breasts to provide milk for the infant if the child is receiving enteral feedings. Once the infant can coordinate breathing, sucking, and swallowing, breastfeeding directly is encouraged. Studies have shown that preterm infants fed fortified human milk have better outcomes compared to those fed commercial infant formulas. Commercial infant formulas may not fully meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, leading to potential longer hospital stays. Therefore, human milk is the best choice for feeding premature infants.

5. Which reflex is expected to disappear by 4 months of age?

• A. Rooting reflex
• B. Moro reflex
• C. Babinski reflex
• D. Palmar grasp

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, typically disappears by 4 months as the infant's nervous system matures. This reflex is important for assessing the development of the nervous system in newborns. The Rooting reflex (Choice A) is related to turning the head in response to cheek stimulation; the Babinski reflex (Choice C) involves the fanning of toes in response to foot stimulation; and the Palmar grasp (Choice D) is the curling of the fingers around an object placed in the infant's hand. These reflexes have different timelines for disappearance and are not typically expected to be gone by 4 months of age.

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