Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following clinical signs would MOST suggest acute respiratory distress in a 2-month-old infant?

• A. Heart rate of 130 beats/min
• B. Respiratory rate of 30 breaths/min
• C. Abdominal breathing
• D. Grunting respirations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Grunting respirations are a key clinical sign of acute respiratory distress in infants. Grunting is a protective mechanism where the infant exhales against a partially closed glottis to increase functional residual capacity and oxygenation. This is often seen in conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, or other causes of respiratory compromise in infants. Monitoring respiratory patterns like grunting is crucial for early recognition and intervention in infants with respiratory distress. Choices A, B, and C are less specific to acute respiratory distress in infants. While an elevated heart rate and respiratory rate can be present in respiratory distress, grunting respirations are a more direct indicator of significant respiratory compromise in infants.

2. What percentage of total body surface area has been burned in a 5-year-old child who experienced partial-thickness burns to his head, anterior chest, and both upper extremities?

• A. 45%
• B. 63%
• C. 72%
• D. 54%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the pediatric rule of nines, the head and neck represent 18%, the anterior chest and abdomen 18%, and each arm 9%. By adding these percentages (18% + 18% + 9% + 9% = 45%), we find that 45% of the total body surface area has been burned in this child.

3. The parents of a child hospitalized with asthma who is recovering and is being prepared for discharge are receiving home care instructions from the nurse. Which statement by a parent indicates a need for further instruction?

• A. Coughing spells may be triggered by dust or smoke
• B. Vomiting may occur when our child has coughing episodes
• C. We need to encourage our child to drink fluids
• D. We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement 'We need to maintain droplet precautions and a quiet environment for at least 2 weeks' indicates a need for further instruction. Asthma management does not typically require maintaining droplet precautions. The focus should be on environmental control, medication adherence, and monitoring symptoms rather than droplet precautions, which are more relevant for contagious respiratory infections.

4. When assessing a newborn for jaundice, which area should be examined?

• A. Legs and feet
• B. Chest and abdomen
• C. Face and sclera
• D. Back and buttocks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a newborn for jaundice, the healthcare provider should examine the face and sclera. Jaundice is often first noticeable in these areas due to the buildup of bilirubin, causing a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes. Examining the legs and feet (Choice A) is not the most appropriate area for identifying jaundice in newborns. Similarly, the chest and abdomen (Choice B) are not the primary areas where jaundice is usually observed. Checking the back and buttocks (Choice D) is also not as useful as examining the face and sclera when assessing for jaundice in newborns.

5. 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.

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