Nursing Elites

1. Which finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. A sunken fontanel
• C. Decreased pulse rate
• D. Low urine specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

2. What is the best initial intervention for a child experiencing moderate dehydration?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Encourage oral rehydration
• C. Monitor vital signs
• D. Provide clear fluids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage oral rehydration. Oral rehydration is the first-line treatment for moderate dehydration in children. It helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) is usually reserved for severe cases of dehydration where oral rehydration is not feasible or ineffective. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important but should not replace the immediate need for rehydration. Providing clear fluids (Choice D) may not contain the necessary electrolytes required for effective rehydration.

3. Which pediatric disorder is associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Transposition of the great arteries
• C. Coarctation of the aorta
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot is often associated with a 'boot-shaped' heart appearance on a chest x-ray due to the characteristic heart anatomy in this condition. This appearance is caused by the combination of pulmonary stenosis, overriding aorta, ventricular septal defect, and right ventricular hypertrophy. Choice B, Transposition of the great arteries, is incorrect because it presents with a 'egg-on-a-string' appearance on x-ray due to the abnormal position of the aorta and pulmonary artery. Choice C, Coarctation of the aorta, typically presents with rib notching on x-ray. Choice D, Ventricular septal defect, does not produce the 'boot-shaped' heart appearance seen in Tetralogy of Fallot.

4. What problem is most often associated with myelomeningocele?

• A. Biliary atresia
• B. Hydrocephalus
• C. Craniostenosis
• D. Tracheoesophageal fistula

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hydrocephalus is the most commonly associated problem with myelomeningocele, present in 80% to 90% of affected children. Biliary atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula are not typically associated with myelomeningocele. Craniostenosis refers to the premature closing of cranial sutures and is not a common issue seen with myelomeningocele.

5. What findings would the nurse consider normal in assessing the anterior fontanel of a neonate?

• A. Closed anterior fontanel
• B. Sunken anterior fontanel
• C. Bulging anterior fontanel
• D. Pulsating anterior fontanel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pulsating anterior fontanel. The fontanel should feel flat, firm, and well demarcated. Pulsations are frequently visible at the anterior fontanel, which is a normal finding in a neonate. A closed anterior fontanel, as mentioned, is a potential sign of a major abnormality. A sunken or bulging fontanel (when the infant is quiet) may be indicative of distress or a major abnormality. Therefore, options A, B, and C are considered abnormal findings when assessing the anterior fontanel of a neonate.

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