Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury?

• A. Changes in pupillary reaction
• B. Tachycardia and diaphoresis
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Altered mental status

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury. Children often present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting after a head injury due to differences in physiological responses compared to adults.

2. A 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is experiencing respiratory distress. He has intercostal retractions, a heart rate of 80 beats/min, and an oxygen saturation of 85%. During his attempts to breathe, a gurgling sound is heard in the tracheostomy tube. You should:

• A. Ventilate through the tracheostomy tube.
• B. Place an oxygen mask over the tracheostomy tube.
• C. Remove the tracheostomy tube and clean it.
• D. Carefully suction the tracheostomy tube.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the 4-year-old boy with a tracheostomy tube is showing signs of respiratory distress, including intercostal retractions, a low heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation. The gurgling sound indicates a possible airway obstruction. Correctly, the immediate action should be to carefully suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning can help clear any secretions or obstructions, thus improving the child's ability to breathe effectively. Ventilating through the tube, placing an oxygen mask over it, or removing and cleaning the tube would not address the potential obstruction and could worsen the respiratory distress.

3. A 30-year-old woman has severe lower abdominal pain and light vaginal bleeding. She tells you that her last menstrual period was 2 months ago. On the basis of these findings, you should suspect:

• A. a normal pregnancy.
• B. a ruptured ovarian cyst.
• C. an ectopic pregnancy.
• D. a spontaneous abortion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe lower abdominal pain, light vaginal bleeding, and a history of missed periods are concerning for an ectopic pregnancy. The absence of a normal menstrual period along with these symptoms raises suspicion for an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention due to the risk of rupture and life-threatening complications. A normal pregnancy would typically present with different symptoms such as a positive pregnancy test and typical signs of early pregnancy. A ruptured ovarian cyst may present with similar symptoms but typically lacks the history of missed periods. A spontaneous abortion usually involves heavier bleeding and tissue passage, which is not described in this scenario.

4. Which of the following is an indication of lower respiratory infection?

• A. Cough
• B. Fever
• C. Inability to lie supine
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inability to lie supine is a significant indication of lower respiratory infection. This symptom often occurs due to breathing difficulties and discomfort experienced by individuals with lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It can be caused by lung inflammation, consolidation, or fluid buildup in the lungs, making lying flat uncomfortable or difficult. Monitoring a patient's ability to lie flat can provide valuable information about the severity and progression of a lower respiratory infection.

5. When managing Akosua Adepa, an eight-year-old diagnosed with Asthma, the nurse will consider the following as complications EXCEPT:

• A. Cor pulmonale
• B. Respiratory arrest
• C. Respiratory distress
• D. Respiratory failure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When managing a pediatric patient with asthma, the nurse needs to be vigilant about potential complications. While cor pulmonale, respiratory arrest, and respiratory failure are known complications of asthma, respiratory distress is not typically considered a direct complication. Respiratory distress is more of a symptom or a sign of worsening asthma, indicating the need for immediate intervention to prevent progression to more severe complications.

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