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. The instructor is teaching a group of new mothers about infant care. Which statement indicates that further teaching is needed?

• A. I should put my baby to sleep on their back.
• B. I can give my baby water if they seem thirsty.
• C. Breastfeeding provides all the nutrients my baby needs.
• D. I should burp my baby after each feeding.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Newborns do not need additional water as breast milk or formula provides all the necessary hydration. Giving water to infants can be harmful and is not recommended as it can interfere with the balance of electrolytes in their bodies. Choice A is correct as placing babies on their back for sleep is the recommended safe sleeping position. Choice C is also correct as breastfeeding does provide all the essential nutrients for babies. Choice D is correct as burping the baby after each feeding helps prevent discomfort from trapped air.

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. A 6-year-old child is admitted to the hospital with pneumonia. An immediate priority in this child's nursing care would be:

• A. Elimination
• B. Exercise
• C. Nutrition
• D. Rest

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rest is crucial for recovery in a child with pneumonia as it allows the body to focus its energy on fighting the infection and promoting healing. Adequate rest helps reduce the workload on the lungs, promotes oxygenation, and supports the immune system's response to combat the infection. It is essential to prioritize rest to facilitate a faster recovery and prevent complications in children with pneumonia.

5. You are dispatched to a residence where an 8-year-old boy was pulled from a swimming pool. When you arrive, a neighbor is performing rescue breathing on the child. After confirming that the child is not breathing, you should:

• A. begin chest compressions and reassess in 2 minutes.
• B. assess for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds.
• C. tell the neighbor to continue rescue breathing as you apply the AED.
• D. ask the neighbor how long the child was submerged under the water.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In cases of drowning, it is crucial to assess for a carotid pulse for no more than 10 seconds to determine if chest compressions are needed. This quick assessment helps determine the next steps in providing appropriate care to the patient. Performing chest compressions without confirming the need may not be beneficial and could potentially harm the patient if unnecessary.

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