Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

2. 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.

3. The healthcare provider assesses the newborn's ears to be parallel to the outer and inner canthus of the eye. The healthcare provider documents this finding to be which of the following?

• A. A normal position
• B. A possible chromosomal abnormality
• C. Facial paralysis
• D. Prematurity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the top of the ear (pinna) is parallel to the outer and inner canthus of the eye, it is considered a normal position in a newborn. This alignment is an important assessment to ensure normal development and anatomy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parallel alignment of the ears to the outer and inner canthus of the eye is not indicative of a possible chromosomal abnormality, facial paralysis, or prematurity. It is simply a normal anatomical finding in a newborn.

4. In the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses, one of the things to look for is danger signs. Which of the following will you consider a danger sign in a child?

• A. The child vomits everything
• B. A child with diarrhea
• C. A child with headache
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The child vomits everything.' Vomiting everything is considered a danger sign in a child as it can lead to dehydration and other serious complications. Recognizing this sign early can help in timely intervention and management of the child's condition. Choices B and C are incorrect as diarrhea and headache, while concerning, are not specific danger signs highlighted in the Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses.

5. You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:

• A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
• B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
• C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
• D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.

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