Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following statements is true of Down’s syndrome?

• A. Down’s syndrome is usually caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 in an individual.
• B. The symptoms of Down’s syndrome are similar to those of sickle-cell anemia.
• C. Down’s syndrome is caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) during conception.
• D. The probability of having a child with Down’s syndrome increases with the age of the parents.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The likelihood of having a child with Down’s syndrome increases as the age of the parents increases, particularly the mother's age. Choice A is incorrect because Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, not a defect in the sex chromosomes. Choice B is incorrect as the symptoms of Down’s syndrome and sickle-cell anemia are different. Choice C is also incorrect as Down’s syndrome is not caused by a sexually transmitted infection during conception.

2. A nurse on a labor and delivery unit is providing teaching to a client who plans to use hypnosis to control labor pain. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Focusing on controlling body functions
• B. Synchronized breathing is often helpful during hypnosis
• C. Hypnosis can be beneficial if practiced during the prenatal period
• D. Hypnosis is ineffective for controlling pain associated with labor

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypnosis can be an effective method of pain control during labor, especially if practiced during the prenatal period. Choice A is not specific to hypnosis and may not be directly related. Choice B is not essential for hypnosis and may not always be required. Choice D is incorrect as hypnosis has been shown to be beneficial for managing labor pain when done correctly, making it an inappropriate option to include in the teaching.

3. A newborn's head circumference is 12 inches (30.5 cm) and his chest measurement is 13 inches (33 cm). The nurse notes that this infant has no molding, and it was a breech presentation delivered by cesarean section. What action should the nurse take based on this data?

• A. No action needs to be taken, it is normal for an infant born by cesarean section to have a small head circumference.
• B. Notify the pediatrician immediately. These signs support the possibility of hydrocephalus.
• C. Call these findings to the attention of the pediatrician. The head/chest ratio is abnormal.
• D. Record the findings on the chart. They are within normal limits.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Head and chest circumference measurements are within normal limits for a newborn, especially for those delivered by cesarean section, so no immediate action is required beyond documentation.

4. A premature infant with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receives artificial surfactant. How does the nurse explain surfactant therapy to the parents?

• A. “Surfactant improves the ability of your baby’s lungs to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.”
• B. “The drug keeps your baby from requiring too much sedation.”
• C. “Surfactant is used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea.”
• D. “Your baby needs this medication to fight a possible respiratory tract infection.”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Artificial surfactant can be administered as an adjunct to oxygen and ventilation therapy for premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It helps improve respiratory compliance by aiding in the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide until the infant can produce enough surfactant naturally. The correct explanation to the parents would be that surfactant therapy enhances the baby’s lung function by facilitating the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Choice B is incorrect because surfactant therapy does not affect sedation needs. Choice C is inaccurate as surfactant is not used to reduce episodes of periodic apnea. Choice D is incorrect as surfactant is not administered to fight respiratory tract infections; it specifically targets improving lung function in RDS.

5. A 16-year-old gravida 1 para 0 client has just been admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of eclampsia. She's not presently convulsing. Which intervention should the nurse plan to include in this client's nursing care plan?

• A. Allow liberal family visitation
• B. Keep an airway at the bedside
• C. Assess temperature every hour
• D. Monitor blood pressure, pulse, and respiration every 4 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Keeping an airway at the bedside is crucial for a client with eclampsia, as there is a high risk of seizures that can obstruct the airway. Allowing liberal family visitation (choice A) may not be a priority at this time and can be overwhelming for the client. Assessing temperature every hour (choice C) is not directly related to managing eclampsia. Monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and respiration every 4 hours (choice D) is important but not as immediate as ensuring airway patency.

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