Nursing Elites

1. When a father asks why his child with tetralogy of Fallot seems to favor a squatting position, the nurse would explain that squatting:

• A. Increases peripheral vascular resistance
• B. Decreases arterial blood flow away from the heart
• C. It's a common resting position when a child is tachycardic
• D. Increases the workload of the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Squatting increases systemic vascular resistance, which leads to a reduction in the right-to-left shunting of blood in children with tetralogy of Fallot. This helps improve oxygenation by balancing the pulmonary and systemic blood flow. The squatting position decreases the pressure in the right ventricle and reduces the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt by increasing afterload, thereby improving oxygenation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because squatting does not decrease arterial blood flow away from the heart, is not related to being tachycardic, and does not increase the workload of the heart.

2. Which artery should you palpate when assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient?

• A. Radial
• B. Brachial
• C. Femoral
• D. Carotid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing for a pulse in an unresponsive 6-month-old patient, the brachial artery is the recommended site for palpation. This is because the brachial artery is easily accessible and provides a reliable indication of the patient's circulatory status in infants.

3. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who is 2 hours old. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Acrocyanosis
• B. Respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute
• C. Grunting with nasal flaring
• D. Heart rate of 140 beats per minute

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Grunting with nasal flaring is a concerning sign of respiratory distress in a newborn that can indicate inadequate oxygenation. This finding requires immediate intervention to ensure the newborn's respiratory status is stabilized and to prevent further complications. Prompt assessment and appropriate intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent respiratory compromise and potential deterioration. Acrocyanosis, which is bluish discoloration of the extremities, is a common finding in newborns and usually resolves on its own. A respiratory rate of 60 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 140 beats per minute are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not indicate immediate intervention is needed.

4. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM) to a postpartum client. This medication is indicated for:

• A. Rh-negative individuals with Rh-positive infants
• B. Rh-positive individuals with Rh-negative infants
• C. All individuals regardless of Rh status
• D. Individuals with a history of Rh incompatibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rh immune globulin (RhoGAM) is administered to Rh-negative individuals who have given birth to Rh-positive infants to prevent Rh sensitization. When an Rh-negative individual gives birth to an Rh-positive infant, there is a risk of the mother developing antibodies against the Rh-positive blood cells, which can lead to hemolytic disease of the newborn in subsequent pregnancies. Rh immune globulin is given to prevent this sensitization in Rh-negative individuals who deliver Rh-positive infants.

5. Your assessment of a newborn reveals cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. What should you do first?

• A. Dry the infant briskly.
• B. Suction the mouth.
• C. Begin artificial ventilations.
• D. Begin chest compressions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a newborn with cyanosis to the chest and face and a heart rate of 90 beats/min, the priority action is to begin artificial ventilations. A heart rate below 100 beats/min with cyanosis indicates a need for immediate respiratory support to improve oxygenation. Drying the infant briskly or suctioning the mouth may be necessary later but are not the initial priority. Chest compressions are not indicated as the heart rate is above 60 beats/min.

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