Nursing Elites

1. You are treating a 5-year-old child who has had severe diarrhea and vomiting for 3 days and is now showing signs of shock. Supplemental oxygen has been given, and you have elevated his lower extremities. En route to the hospital, you note that his work of breathing has increased. You should:

• A. begin positive-pressure ventilations and reassess the child.
• B. lower the extremities and reassess the child.
• C. listen to the lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal breath sounds.
• D. insert a nasopharyngeal airway and increase the oxygen flow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When the work of breathing increases after elevating the legs, it is important to lower the extremities. Elevating the lower extremities in a child with signs of shock can worsen the condition by reducing venous return to the heart. Lowering the extremities can help improve venous return and potentially alleviate the increased work of breathing.

2. Physical abuse of a 4-year-old child should be suspected if you observe:

• A. purple and yellow bruises on the thighs.
• B. bruises on the anterior tibial area.
• C. the child clinging to his or her parent.
• D. curious siblings watching you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Purple and yellow bruises on protected areas like the thighs are concerning as they indicate bruises in various stages of healing, which is a red flag for physical abuse. Bruises on the anterior tibial area or a child clinging to a parent are not specific signs of physical abuse. Siblings watching you is unrelated to the suspicion of physical abuse in this scenario.

3. Which of the following findings is abnormal?

• A. Rapid, irregular breathing in a newly born infant
• B. Heart rate of 80 beats/min in a 3-month-old infant
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths/min in a 2-year-old child
• D. Systolic BP of 100 mm Hg in a 10-year-old child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A heart rate of 80 beats per minute in a 3-month-old infant is abnormally low for that age group and could indicate underlying health issues. The normal heart rate for a 3-month-old infant is typically higher, around 100-150 beats per minute. Therefore, this finding stands out as abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choice A is not necessarily abnormal in a newly born infant as irregular breathing patterns can be common during the neonatal period. Choice C falls within the normal respiratory rate range for a 2-year-old child, which is around 20-30 breaths per minute. Choice D reflects a systolic blood pressure value within the normal range for a 10-year-old child, which is typically around 90-110 mm Hg.

4. Seizures in children MOST often result from:

• A. a life-threatening infection.
• B. an inflammatory process in the brain.
• C. an abrupt rise in body temperature.
• D. a temperature greater than 102°F.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Seizures in children most often result from febrile seizures, which are triggered by an abrupt rise in body temperature. Febrile seizures are common in young children, especially between the ages of 6 months to 5 years, and are usually associated with viral infections that cause a sudden spike in body temperature. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while infections, inflammatory processes, and high temperatures can sometimes lead to seizures, the most common cause of seizures in children is an abrupt increase in body temperature, known as febrile seizures.

5. When using the Ballard gestational assessment tool on a newborn, which of the following tests should be performed after the first hour of birth, allowing the newborn to recover from the stress of birth?

• A. Arm recoil
• B. Square window sign
• C. Scarf sign
• D. Popliteal angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Arm recoil. Arm recoil is slower in healthy but fatigued newborns after birth, making it best elicited after the first hour of birth when the baby has had time to recover from the stress of birth. This assessment helps evaluate neuromuscular maturity in newborns and is more accurate when performed after the initial recovery period. The other choices, Square window sign, Scarf sign, and Popliteal angle, are not specifically assessed using the Ballard gestational assessment tool and do not relate to the recovery period after birth.

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