Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Physical abuse of a 4-year-old child should be suspected if you observe:

• A. purple and yellow bruises on the thighs.
• B. bruises on the anterior tibial area.
• C. the child clinging to his or her parent.
• D. curious siblings watching you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Purple and yellow bruises on protected areas like the thighs are concerning as they indicate bruises in various stages of healing, which is a red flag for physical abuse. Bruises on the anterior tibial area or a child clinging to a parent are not specific signs of physical abuse. Siblings watching you is unrelated to the suspicion of physical abuse in this scenario.

3. How can the nurse best assess that the parents demonstrate understanding of the dressing change procedure prior to discharge for their child with burns?

• A. The parents explaining the importance of using sterile technique to the nurse.
• B. The nurse observing the parents changing the dressing using appropriate technique.
• C. The parents observing the nurse changing the dressing and confirming their understanding of the procedure.
• D. The nurse allowing the parents to explain the dressing change procedure and perform it in private to boost their confidence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective way for the nurse to assess the parents' understanding of the dressing change procedure is by observing them as they change the dressing using the correct technique. This direct observation ensures that the parents are able to perform the task correctly and confidently before discharge. Merely verbalizing or explaining the procedure may not accurately reflect the parents' competency in performing the actual task. Choice A involves the parents explaining to the nurse, which does not directly assess their practical skills. Choice C suggests the parents observing the nurse, which does not evaluate the parents' ability to perform the task independently. Choice D focuses on boosting the parents' confidence but does not directly assess their understanding and competency in performing the dressing change.

4. Nana Esi is an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). She asks her attending nurse why she can't take a pill rather than shots like her grandmother does. Which of the following would be the nurse's best reply?

• A. If your blood glucose levels are controlled, you can switch to using pills.
• B. The pills correct fat and protein metabolism, not carbohydrate metabolism.
• C. Your body does not make insulin, so the insulin injections help to replace it.
• D. The pills work on the adult pancreas; you can switch when you are 18.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best reply to Nana Esi is option C: 'Your body does not make insulin, so the insulin injections help to replace it.' In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, necessitating insulin injections for survival. Option A is incorrect as type 1 diabetes always requires insulin therapy. Option B is inaccurate as pills do not replace the function of insulin. Option D is also incorrect as there is no age restriction on using insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a newborn who had undergone vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn?

• A. (+) Moro reflex
• B. Heart rate is 80 bpm
• C. Respirations are irregular
• D. Uneven head shape

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 bpm is least likely to be observed in a normal newborn. The normal heart rate range for a newborn is usually higher than 80 bpm, typically ranging from 120-160 bpm. The Moro reflex (choice A) is a normal newborn reflex, respirations being irregular (choice C) are expected due to the immature respiratory control center, and an uneven head shape (choice D) is common due to molding during vaginal delivery.

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