Based on developmental norms for a 5-year-old child, at what apical pulse did the nurse decide to withhold a scheduled dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) elixir and notify the health care provider?
- A. 60 beats/min
- B. 70 beats/min
- C. 90 beats/min
- D. 100 beats/min
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: For a 5-year-old child, an apical pulse below 90 beats/min is a reason to withhold digoxin. Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, and its administration is based on heart rate parameters. A pulse rate below 90 beats/min indicates bradycardia. In pediatric patients, bradycardia below this threshold may be a sign of toxicity or potential adverse effects of digoxin, necessitating withholding the medication and informing the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent pulse rates above the threshold for withholding digoxin in a 5-year-old child.
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A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with a diagnosis of epilepsy about seizure precautions. What should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Keep a diary of seizure activity
- B. Administer antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs
- C. Restrict the child's activities to prevent seizures
- D. Teach seizure first aid to family members
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Teaching seizure first aid to family members is essential as it empowers them to respond effectively during a seizure. Keeping a diary of seizure activity is important for tracking patterns and triggers but is not directly related to immediate safety. Administering antiepileptic medication only when a seizure occurs is not recommended as medications should be administered as prescribed by healthcare providers. Restricting the child's activities to prevent seizures is not appropriate as children with epilepsy should be encouraged to lead active lives while taking necessary precautions.
Congenital heart defects have traditionally been divided into acyanotic or cyanotic defects. Based on the nurse's knowledge of congenital heart defects, this system in clinical practice is
- A. helpful because it explains the hemodynamics involved
- B. helpful because children with cyanotic defects are easily identified
- C. problematic because cyanosis is rarely present in children
- D. problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The classification system of congenital heart defects into acyanotic or cyanotic defects is problematic because children with acyanotic heart defects may develop cyanosis, complicating the differentiation. Cyanosis can occur in some acyanotic defects due to various reasons such as right-to-left shunting or decreased pulmonary blood flow, making the classification based solely on cyanosis misleading. Choice A is incorrect because while the classification may involve hemodynamics, the main issue lies in the potential for acyanotic defects to develop cyanosis. Choice B is incorrect as the ease of identifying children with cyanotic defects does not address the main problem with the classification system. Choice C is also incorrect as the presence of cyanosis is not the only factor determining the classification's validity.
The nurse is preparing a presentation to a local community group about genetic disorders and the types of congenital anomalies that can occur. What would the nurse include as a major congenital anomaly?
- A. Overlapping digits
- B. Polydactyly
- C. Umbilical hernia
- D. Cleft palate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cleft palate is considered a major congenital anomaly because it involves a gap or split in the roof of the mouth, which can significantly impact feeding, speech development, dental health, and overall well-being. Overlapping digits (Choice A) and polydactyly (Choice B) are examples of limb abnormalities rather than major congenital anomalies affecting vital functions. Umbilical hernia (Choice C) is a common condition where abdominal organs protrude through the belly button and is typically not considered a major congenital anomaly in the same way as cleft palate.
Following delivery of a newborn, the 21-year-old mother is experiencing mild vaginal bleeding. You note that her heart rate has increased from 90 to 120 beats/min and she is diaphoretic. Management should include
- A. oxygen, uterine massage, and transport
- B. oxygen, placement on the left side, and transport
- C. oxygen, treatment for shock, and uterus massage during transport
- D. oxygen, internal vaginal pads, and treatment of shock during transport
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to shock due to excessive bleeding. Oxygen should be provided to support oxygenation. Treatment for shock, which includes maintaining vital signs and perfusion, is crucial. Uterine massage helps prevent further bleeding by promoting uterine contraction. This combination of interventions is essential for managing postpartum hemorrhage effectively. Choices A, B, and D lack the comprehensive approach needed for managing postpartum hemorrhage, as they do not address the treatment of shock, which is vital in this scenario.
Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?
- A. Limiting output
- B. Replacing lost fluids
- C. Avoiding IV infiltration
- D. Preventing cardiac overload
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Preventing cardiac overload. Infants are highly vulnerable to fluid overload, making it essential to carefully monitor IV flow rates to prevent complications such as cardiac overload. Rapid administration of IV fluids can lead to an excessive increase in circulating volume, potentially causing cardiac strain or heart failure in infants. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Monitoring the IV flow rate is not primarily aimed at limiting output, replacing lost fluids, or avoiding IV infiltration in this scenario. The key concern is to prevent the risk of cardiac overload due to the infant's susceptibility to fluid imbalances.