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. What intervention should the nurse encourage for a postpartum client complaining of perineal pain?

• A. Use of ice packs for the first 24 hours
• B. Application of heat packs immediately
• C. Avoiding the use of peri-bottles
• D. Using tampons to manage lochia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for perineal pain in a postpartum client is the use of ice packs for the first 24 hours. Ice packs help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area, especially during the initial post-delivery period. Applying heat packs can exacerbate swelling and discomfort. Avoiding peri-bottles may lead to poor perineal hygiene. Using tampons is contraindicated postpartum as it increases the risk of infection.

3. A 3-year-old female has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 4 days. She is now unresponsive with rapid, shallow respirations and thready radial pulses. Her heart rate is 160 beats/min, and her oxygen saturation is 88%. You should:

• A. Ventilate her with a bag-valve mask.
• B. Start chest compressions.
• C. Administer high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask.
• D. Place her in the recovery position.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric patient presenting with unresponsiveness, rapid, shallow respirations, thready pulses, high heart rate, and low oxygen saturation, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Ventilating the child with a bag-valve mask is crucial in this scenario to support her breathing and improve oxygenation, as indicated by her low oxygen saturation and respiratory distress. Starting chest compressions is not indicated as the child has a pulse. Administering high-flow oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask may not be as effective as providing positive pressure ventilation with a bag-valve mask in this situation. Placing her in the recovery position is not appropriate when the child is unresponsive and in respiratory distress.

4. When managing Akosua Adepa, an eight-year-old diagnosed with Asthma, the nurse will consider the following as complications EXCEPT:

• A. Cor pulmonale
• B. Respiratory arrest
• C. Respiratory distress
• D. Respiratory failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When managing a pediatric patient with asthma, the nurse needs to be vigilant about potential complications. While cor pulmonale, respiratory arrest, and respiratory failure are known complications of asthma, respiratory distress is not typically considered a direct complication. Respiratory distress is more of a symptom or a sign of worsening asthma, indicating the need for immediate intervention to prevent progression to more severe complications.

5. The healthcare provider is teaching a new mother how to care for her newborn's umbilical cord. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Keep the cord dry and exposed to air
• B. Clean the cord with alcohol at every diaper change
• C. Cover the cord with a sterile dressing
• D. Submerge the cord in water during baths

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Keeping the umbilical cord dry and exposed to air is the correct instruction because it promotes faster healing. Moisture can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the cord with alcohol at every diaper change or covering it with a sterile dressing can actually impede the healing process by preventing airflow. Submerging the cord in water during baths is not recommended as it can introduce moisture and increase the risk of infection.

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