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. Warning signs that indicate dehydration include all EXCEPT:

• A. Poor skin turgor
• B. Increased urine output
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Eager to drink

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased urine output is not a warning sign of dehydration; it typically decreases with dehydration. Dehydration often presents with poor skin turgor, tachycardia, and an increased sensation of thirst (eager to drink) as the body tries to compensate for fluid loss. Choices A, C, and D are all correct warning signs of dehydration. Poor skin turgor is a result of decreased skin elasticity due to fluid loss. Tachycardia, an elevated heart rate, can be a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in dehydration. Feeling eager to drink is a common symptom of dehydration as the body attempts to restore fluid balance.

3. A postpartum client asks the nurse about resuming sexual activity. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. You can resume sexual activity as soon as you feel ready.
• B. It is best to wait until your postpartum check-up before resuming sexual activity.
• C. You should wait at least 6 weeks before resuming sexual activity.
• D. It is safe to resume sexual activity once your lochia has stopped.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to advise the postpartum client to wait until the postpartum check-up before resuming sexual activity. This allows for complete healing to ensure the client's well-being and provides an opportunity to address any concerns with the healthcare provider. Choice A is incorrect because resuming sexual activity should be based on medical advice rather than personal readiness. Choice C is incorrect as the 6-week recommendation is a general guideline but individual circumstances may vary. Choice D is incorrect as the cessation of lochia is not the sole indicator for safe resumption of sexual activity.

4. What are the MOST important initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn?

• A. Drying and warming the infant, obtaining an APGAR score.
• B. Clearing the airway, keeping the infant warm.
• C. Suctioning the airway, obtaining a heart rate.
• D. Keeping the infant warm, counting respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most crucial initial steps in assessing and managing a newborn involve clearing the airway to ensure proper breathing and keeping the infant warm to maintain body temperature. Airway clearance helps prevent respiratory distress, while warmth is essential to prevent hypothermia, a common issue in newborns. These steps are vital in the immediate care of a newborn to support their transition to extrauterine life and ensure their well-being. Choice A is incorrect because obtaining an APGAR score is important but not as critical as clearing the airway. Choice C is incorrect as suctioning the airway is not always necessary and obtaining a heart rate is secondary to ensuring a clear airway and warmth. Choice D is incorrect because counting respirations is not as immediate and crucial as clearing the airway.

5. An 18-month-old child presents with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?

• A. High risk for altered body temperature (hyperthermia)
• B. Ineffective breathing pattern
• C. Ineffective individual coping
• D. Knowledge deficit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the 18-month-old child presenting with fever, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and a respiratory rate of 50 bpm is 'Ineffective breathing pattern.' These symptoms collectively indicate respiratory distress, which aligns with the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern. Nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and an increased respiratory rate are signs of respiratory distress in pediatric patients, suggesting the need for immediate intervention to address the underlying breathing difficulties.

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