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. After a 7-year-old with acute diarrhea has been rehydrated with oral rehydration solutions, what type of diet should the nurse recommend following rehydration?

• A. Regular diet
• B. Fruit juices
• C. High carbohydrate diet
• D. BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples, and toast or tea)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After rehydration, a regular diet is generally recommended to ensure proper nutrition and recovery. A regular diet includes a balanced intake of all food groups and nutrients. Fruit juices may be too high in simple sugars and lack necessary nutrients, which can exacerbate diarrhea. While a high carbohydrate diet may be beneficial in some cases, a regular diet is more comprehensive. The BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, apples, and toast or tea, was previously recommended for diarrhea, but it lacks adequate protein and fat, so a regular diet is now preferred for overall better nutrition and recovery.

3. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

4. The parent of an 8.2-kg (18-lb) 9-month-old infant is borrowing a federally approved car seat from the clinic. The nurse should explain that the safest way to put in the car seat is what?

• A. Front facing in back seat
• B. Rear facing in back seat
• C. Front facing in front seat with air bag on passenger side
• D. Rear facing in front seat if an air bag is on the passenger side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Infants should be placed rear-facing in the back seat until they are at least 2 years old or exceed the weight/height limit of their car seat for optimal safety.

5. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

• A. Hold feedings.
• B. Check gastric residuals before feedings.
• C. Take rectal temperature.
• D. Closely monitor abdominal distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

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