A parent arrives in the emergency clinic with a 3-month-old baby who says, "My baby stopped breathing for a while." The infant continues to have difficulty breathing, with prolonged periods of apnea. Which assessment data should alert the nurse to suspect shaken baby syndrome (SBS)?
- A. Birth occurred before 32 weeks' gestation
- B. Lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds
- C. Previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds
- D. Retractions and use of accessory respiratory muscles
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Retractions and the use of accessory respiratory muscles can be signs of respiratory distress, which may indicate trauma such as shaken baby syndrome (SBS). Shaken baby syndrome can result in brain injury and respiratory compromise, leading to breathing difficulties. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be associated with SBS. Birth before 32 weeks' gestation is more related to prematurity rather than SBS. The lack of stridor and adventitious breath sounds, as well as previous episodes of apnea lasting 10 to 15 seconds, are not specific indicators of SBS.
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The nurse is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the nurse this child may have a genetic disorder?
- A. The inquiry determines the child had feeding problems.
- B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
- C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
- D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders, such as Down syndrome, and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is a common feature seen in various genetic syndromes. The other choices, including feeding problems, weight and height measurements, and motor skills, are not typically specific indicators of genetic disorders in the absence of other associated features.
What treatment should the nurse suggest to an adolescent with type 1 diabetes if an insulin reaction is experienced while at a basketball game?
- A. Call your parents immediately.
- B. Buy a soda and hamburger to eat.
- C. Administer insulin as soon as possible.
- D. Leave the arena and rest until the symptoms subside.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an adolescent with type 1 diabetes experiences an insulin reaction, it is essential to quickly raise their blood sugar levels. Buying a soda and a hamburger to eat is the best choice in this situation as it provides a fast-acting source of sugar to counteract hypoglycemia. Calling parents immediately may cause a delay in receiving appropriate treatment. Administering insulin would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the situation. Leaving the arena and resting would not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.
A nurse is inspecting the skin of a child with atopic dermatitis. What would the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Erythematous papulovesicular rash
- B. Dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification
- C. Pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates
- D. Hypopigmented oval scaly lesions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In atopic dermatitis, the characteristic presentation includes a dry, red, scaly rash with lichenification. This appearance is due to chronic inflammation and scratching. Choice A is incorrect as erythematous papulovesicular rash is more indicative of conditions like contact dermatitis. Choice C is incorrect as pustular vesicles with honey-colored exudates are seen in impetigo. Choice D is incorrect as hypopigmented oval scaly lesions are more characteristic of tinea versicolor.
What finding would the nurse expect to assess in a child with hypothyroidism?
- A. Nervousness
- B. Heat intolerance
- C. Smooth velvety skin
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Weight gain is the expected finding in a child with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowed metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Choices A, B, and C are not typical findings in hypothyroidism. Nervousness and heat intolerance are more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity. Smooth velvety skin is not a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism.
Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?
- A. Recognition of the parents
- B. Fright at the EMT-B's presence
- C. Lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence
- D. Consistent eye contact with the EMT-B
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In small children, altered mental status can manifest as a lack of attention to the presence of unfamiliar individuals, such as the EMT-B. This lack of engagement may indicate confusion, disorientation, or impaired cognitive function. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as recognizing parents, exhibiting fear, or maintaining consistent eye contact do not necessarily indicate altered mental status. Recognizing parents is a normal response, fear can be a typical reaction to unfamiliar situations, and making eye contact may be a sign of curiosity or comfort rather than a reflection of mental status.