Nursing Elites

1. You are dispatched to a residence for a 5-year-old child who is not breathing. Upon arrival, you find the child supine on the floor, cyanotic, and unresponsive. You should first:

• A. begin chest compressions.
• B. open the airway and give two rescue breaths.
• C. apply an AED and analyze the rhythm.
• D. ask the parent for the child's medical history.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering an unresponsive and not breathing child, the initial step is to open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. This action helps to deliver oxygen to the child's lungs and body, which is crucial in attempting to restore breathing and circulation. Chest compressions are not initiated first in pediatric cases unless the child has no signs of circulation after delivering rescue breaths. Applying an AED and analyzing the rhythm is not the initial step in a pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, as the primary focus should be on providing oxygenation. Asking the parent for the child's medical history is not the immediate priority when the child is unresponsive and not breathing, as interventions to support breathing and circulation should be the primary concern.

2. Beta-adrenergic agonists such as albuterol are given to Reggie, a child with asthma, to primarily do which of the following?

• A. Dilate the bronchioles
• B. Reduce secondary infections
• C. Decrease postnasal drip
• D. Reduce airway inflammation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic agonists like albuterol are bronchodilators that primarily work by relaxing and dilating the bronchioles, which helps to alleviate bronchoconstriction, a characteristic feature of asthma. This action leads to improved airflow and easier breathing for individuals experiencing asthma symptoms.

3. You are assessing a 26-year-old woman who is 38 weeks pregnant and is in labor. She tells you that she was pregnant once before but had a miscarriage at 19 weeks. You should document her obstetric history as:

• A. gravida 2, para 1.
• B. gravida 2, para 0.
• C. gravida 1, para 1.
• D. gravida 0, para 2.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In obstetrics, gravida indicates the number of pregnancies, including the current one. Para indicates the number of pregnancies carried to viability (20 weeks or more). Since the patient has been pregnant twice but only carried one pregnancy past 20 weeks, her obstetric history should be documented as gravida 2, para 0. The miscarriage at 19 weeks does not contribute to the para count. Choice A (gravida 2, para 1) would indicate that she has had two pregnancies with one resulting in a live birth, which is incorrect. Choice C (gravida 1, para 1) would indicate that she has had one pregnancy with one live birth, which does not reflect her obstetric history. Choice D (gravida 0, para 2) would indicate that she has never been pregnant past 20 weeks, which is also inaccurate.

4. A breastfeeding mother reports breast engorgement. The nurse advises her to:

• A. Increase the frequency of feedings
• B. Apply ice packs to the breasts
• C. Avoid breastfeeding until the pain subsides
• D. Use a breast pump to empty the breasts completely

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Breast engorgement occurs when the breasts become overfilled with milk. By increasing the frequency of feedings, the mother can ensure that her breasts are emptied regularly, helping to relieve the discomfort associated with engorgement. This advice promotes effective milk removal and prevents further accumulation, which can worsen the condition. Applying ice packs may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issue of milk accumulation. Avoiding breastfeeding can lead to further engorgement and potential complications. Using a breast pump to empty the breasts completely may be necessary in some cases, but increasing the frequency of feedings is the initial and most appropriate intervention to manage breast engorgement.

5. What is the most likely cause of a sudden onset of respiratory distress in a 5-year-old child with no fever?

• A. Infection of the lower airways.
• B. A progressive upper airway infection.
• C. Inflammation of the upper airway.
• D. A foreign body airway obstruction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sudden onset of respiratory distress in a child without fever is most likely due to a foreign body airway obstruction. This obstruction can rapidly lead to difficulty breathing, stridor, and other signs of respiratory distress without necessarily causing a fever. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial in such cases to prevent further complications and ensure the child's airway remains clear.

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