Nursing Elites

1. What physiologic state(s) produces the clinical manifestations of nervous system stimulation and excitement, such as overexcitability, nervousness, and tetany?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Metabolic and respiratory acidosis
• D. Metabolic and respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Both metabolic and respiratory alkalosis can cause overexcitability and nervous system stimulation due to a decrease in ionized calcium levels, which can cause symptoms such as tetany and paresthesias. Acidosis typically has the opposite effect, leading to depression of the nervous system.

2. What is the most critical physiologic change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

3. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

4. At which age can most infants sit steadily unsupported?

• A. 4 months
• B. 6 months
• C. 8 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Most infants can sit steadily without support by 8 months, indicating advanced gross motor skill development.

5. A new mom is ready to introduce solid foods to her infant. Which food would you recommend starting with?

• A. Meat
• B. Rice cereal
• C. Fruits
• D. Vegetables

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rice cereal. Rice cereal is typically the first solid food introduced to infants because it is easy to digest and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Starting with rice cereal helps assess the baby's readiness for solid foods and reduces the risk of allergic responses. Choice A (Meat) is not recommended as the initial solid food due to its higher allergenic potential. Choices C (Fruits) and D (Vegetables) are also not usually recommended as the first solid food, as they may be more challenging for infants to digest compared to rice cereal.

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