Nursing Elites

1. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

2. What is the recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy?

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Side-lying
• D. Fowler's position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Side-lying. The side-lying position is recommended after a tonsillectomy to facilitate drainage of secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration. This position helps prevent blood from pooling in the back of the throat, decreasing the chance of bleeding postoperatively. Supine (lying face up), while commonly used in other situations, may not be ideal immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from blood clots. Prone (lying face down) is not recommended as it can hinder breathing and increase the risk of complications. Fowler's position (semi-sitting) is also not typically used after a tonsillectomy because it may cause discomfort and hinder proper drainage.

3. Pertussis vaccination should begin at which age?

• A. Birth
• B. 2 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The DTaP vaccine, which includes pertussis, is typically started at 2 months of age as part of the recommended immunization schedule.

4. The nurse is providing anticipatory guidance to the parent of a 9-month-old infant during a well-baby visit. Which topic would be most appropriate?

• A. Cautioning about putting the infant in a walker
• B. Advising how to create a toddler-safe home
• C. Instructing on safety procedures during baths
• D. Warning about leaving small objects on the floor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because at 9 months, infants become more mobile, increasing the risk of choking hazards from small objects left on the floor. Cautioning about putting the infant in a walker (Choice A) is not as crucial at this age as warning about choking hazards. While advising how to create a toddler-safe home (Choice B) is essential, the most critical concern at 9 months is small objects. Instructing on safety procedures during baths (Choice C) is important but does not address the immediate risk of choking hazards associated with small objects.

5. Which reflex, present at birth, is elicited by stroking the sole of the infant's foot, resulting in the fanning of the toes?

• A. Babinski
• B. Moro
• C. Sucking
• D. Rooting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Babinski reflex is the correct answer. This reflex is characterized by the fanning out of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. It is a normal reflex in infants and is typically present at birth, disappearing by around 12 months of age. The Moro reflex, which involves the infant's response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, is not related to the fanning of toes. Sucking and rooting reflexes are related to feeding behaviors and are not elicited by stroking the sole of the foot.

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