Nursing Elites

1. You are called to a residence for a 'sick' 5-year-old child. When you arrive and begin your assessment, you note that the child is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min. Management of this child should consist of

• A. 100% oxygen via a non-rebreathing mask and rapid transport
• B. positive pressure ventilations with a BVM device and rapid transport
• C. chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport
• D. back blows and chest thrusts while attempting artificial ventilations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a 5-year-old child who is unconscious with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min and a heart rate of 50 beats/min, the priority is to initiate chest compressions, artificial ventilations, and rapid transport. These vital interventions are crucial in cases of severe respiratory and cardiovascular compromise. Choice A is incorrect because administering 100% oxygen alone may not address the underlying issues of inadequate ventilation and circulatory support. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention in this scenario; chest compressions should precede positive pressure ventilations. Choice D is incorrect as back blows and chest thrusts are indicated in choking emergencies, not in this case of respiratory and cardiovascular compromise.

2. What is an important nursing responsibility when a dysrhythmia is suspected?

• A. order an immediate electrocardiogram
• B. count the radial pulse every 1 minute for five times
• C. count the apical pulse for 1 full minute, and compare the rate with the radial pulse rate
• D. have someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously with the apical pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a dysrhythmia is suspected, an important nursing responsibility is to count the apical pulse for 1 full minute and then compare this rate with the radial pulse rate. This method helps in identifying dysrhythmias as it allows for a direct comparison of the heart's rhythm at two different pulse points. Ordering an immediate electrocardiogram (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Counting the radial pulse multiple times (Choice B) is not as accurate as comparing rates directly. Having someone else take the radial pulse simultaneously (Choice D) may introduce errors and inconsistencies in the measurement.

3. .The parents of a 6-week-old infant who was born without an immune system ask a nurse why their baby is still so healthy. How should the nurse reply?

• A. Exposure to pathogens during this time can be limited.
• B. Some antibodies are produced by the infant’s colonic bacteria.
• C. Antibodies are passively received from the mother through the placenta and breast milk.
• D. Fewer antibodies are produced by the fetal thymus during the eighth and ninth months of gestation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Infants receive passive immunity through antibodies from the mother during pregnancy and breastfeeding, which protect them initially.

4. After a child returns from surgery for a tracheostomy, what is the priority nursing action?

• A. Suctioning the tracheostomy tube
• B. Changing the tracheostomy dressing
• C. Monitoring respiratory status
• D. Ensuring the tracheostomy ties are secure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action after a tracheostomy surgery is to suction the tracheostomy tube. Suctioning helps maintain a clear airway and prevent complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory distress. While monitoring respiratory status is important, suctioning takes precedence immediately post-surgery to ensure adequate air exchange. Changing the tracheostomy dressing and ensuring tracheostomy ties are secure are also essential tasks but are secondary to the critical need for airway maintenance through suctioning.

5. A nurse is providing care to a child with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administering bronchodilators
• B. Providing respiratory therapy
• C. Monitoring oxygen saturation
• D. Encouraging fluid intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is providing respiratory therapy. In bronchiolitis, the priority is to maintain airway patency through interventions such as suctioning, positioning, and oxygen therapy. While bronchodilators may be used in some cases, they are not the initial priority. Monitoring oxygen saturation is important but comes after ensuring airway patency. Encouraging fluid intake is essential for hydration but is not the priority over maintaining a patent airway.

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