Nursing Elites

1. What is the most common cause of shock (hypoperfusion) in infants and children?

• A. infection
• B. cardiac failure
• C. accidental poisoning
• D. severe allergic reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infection is the leading cause of shock in infants and children due to their heightened vulnerability to sepsis. Infants and children possess developing immune systems, rendering them more susceptible to infections that can progress to septic shock. While cardiac failure is a severe condition, it is not as commonly the primary cause of shock in this age group. Accidental poisoning, though a potential shock inducer, is less prevalent in infants and children compared to infections. Severe allergic reactions, though significant, are not as frequent as infections in precipitating shock in infants and children.

2. How should you care for an alert 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, who has respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color?

• A. Back blows, abdominal thrusts, transport
• B. Oxygen, avoiding agitation, transport
• C. Assisting ventilations, back blows, transport
• D. Chest thrusts, finger sweeps, transport

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for an alert 4-year-old child with a mild airway obstruction, respiratory distress, a strong cough, and normal skin color is to provide oxygen, avoid agitation, and arrange for transport. Oxygen helps support breathing, avoiding agitation prevents worsening of the obstruction, and transport ensures the child receives further medical evaluation and treatment. Choices A, C, and D involve techniques that are not recommended for a mild airway obstruction in this scenario. Back blows, abdominal thrusts, chest thrusts, and finger sweeps are interventions used for different situations and not suitable for a child with the described symptoms.

3. A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress, and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?

• A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
• B. The respiratory rates of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
• C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
• D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse failed to report or document the slow respiratory rate of the infant, which later led to severe respiratory distress. It is crucial to understand that any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported promptly. This documentation is vital for monitoring the infant's condition, identifying potential issues, and ensuring timely intervention if needed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they downplay the significance of abnormal vital signs and fail to emphasize the importance of documentation and reporting in infant care.

4. What information should be included in the preoperative plan of care for an infant with myelomeningocele?

• A. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks
• B. Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze
• C. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket
• D. Applying a diaper to prevent fecal soiling of the sac

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covering the sac with saline-soaked nonadhesive gauze is essential in the preoperative care of an infant with myelomeningocele. This practice helps prevent infection and maintains moisture around the sac before surgery, promoting optimal healing outcomes. Positioning the infant supine with a pillow under the buttocks may be uncomfortable and unnecessary. Wrapping the infant snugly in a blanket does not address the specific care needs of the myelomeningocele. Applying a diaper over the sac can increase the risk of infection and should be avoided in this case.

5. A parent asks a nurse how to tell the difference between measles (rubeola) and German measles (rubella). What should the nurse tell the parent about rubeola that is different from rubella?

• A. High fever and Koplik spots
• B. Rash on the trunk with pruritus
• C. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
• D. Characteristics of a cold, followed by a rash

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'High fever and Koplik spots.' Rubeola (measles) is characterized by a high fever and the presence of Koplik spots, which are not seen in rubella (German measles). Choice B, rash on the trunk with pruritus, is more indicative of rubella. Choice C, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, are not specific to either rubeola or rubella. Choice D, characteristics of a cold followed by a rash, is not a typical presentation of rubeola or rubella.

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