A nurse is providing care for a child with a respiratory infection. The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. When caring for a child with a respiratory infection, maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for thinning respiratory secretions, promoting airway clearance, and preventing dehydration due to increased respiratory effort and fever. Dehydration can worsen respiratory symptoms and compromise overall health. Option A, encouraging a high-protein diet, is not the priority as hydration takes precedence in this situation. Option B, providing a cool mist humidifier, can be beneficial for easing breathing but does not address the immediate need for hydration. Option C, administering antipyretics for fever, is important but should not take precedence over ensuring adequate hydration. In an educational context, it is essential for nursing students preparing for the NCLEX to understand the priority of interventions in pediatric respiratory infections. Recognizing the significance of maintaining hydration in these cases can prevent complications and promote effective nursing care. Remembering the physiological impact of dehydration on respiratory function can guide nurses in prioritizing care for pediatric patients with respiratory infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Wharton's jelly is a gelatinous substance found inside the umbilical cord that plays a crucial role in supporting the cord's structure and function. The correct answer, option B, "To prevent the vessels inside the cord from kinking," is accurate because Wharton's jelly acts as a cushion to protect the blood vessels (arteries and veins) within the umbilical cord. By maintaining the patency of these vessels, Wharton's jelly ensures a continuous flow of oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the developing fetus and facilitates the removal of waste products from the fetus. Option A, "To help provide nutrition to the fetus," is incorrect because the primary role of the umbilical cord is to transport nutrients, not to provide them. The mother's placenta is responsible for transferring nutrients to the fetus, while the umbilical cord serves as the conduit for this exchange. Option C, "To help protect the fetus," while partially true due to the supportive role of Wharton's jelly in maintaining cord integrity, is not the primary function of this substance. Protection of the fetus is more related to the amniotic fluid and the physical barriers surrounding the fetus in the womb. Option D, "To regulate the temperature between the fetus and the mother," is also incorrect as the regulation of temperature is mainly controlled by the mother's body and the amniotic fluid, not by Wharton's jelly within the umbilical cord. Understanding the function of Wharton's jelly is important in the context of pediatric nursing and obstetrics as it relates to fetal development, circulation, and overall well-being. Nurses need to comprehend how structures like the umbilical cord work to provide optimal care for both the fetus and the mother during pregnancy and childbirth.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Group B Streptococcus. Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can colonize the genital tract of pregnant women and can lead to various complications during pregnancy, including preterm birth, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis. Screening for GBS during pregnancy and administering antibiotics during labor can help prevent adverse outcomes for both the mother and the newborn. Option B) Haemophilus influenzae is not typically associated with affecting pregnancy outcomes. Haemophilus influenzae commonly causes respiratory infections in children, such as pneumonia and otitis media. Option C) Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, a respiratory infection that can affect individuals of all ages but is not specifically known to impact pregnancy outcomes. Option D) Hepatitis C virus is a bloodborne virus that primarily affects the liver and is not directly linked to affecting pregnancy outcomes, although it can be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth. Understanding the impact of different microorganisms on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working in obstetrics and pediatrics. Proper screening, early detection, and appropriate management strategies can significantly improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Healthcare professionals need to be well-versed in recognizing the implications of various infections during pregnancy to provide optimal care for expectant mothers and their babies.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) After 48 hours. The maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, in reducing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants occurs after 48 hours of administration. Corticosteroids help in promoting fetal lung maturity by enhancing the production of surfactant, which is essential for preventing RDS in preterm infants. Option A) After 12 hours is incorrect because the full beneficial effect of corticosteroids is not realized this quickly. Option B) After 24 hours is also incorrect as it does not allow enough time for the corticosteroids to exert their maximal effect in promoting surfactant production. Option D) After 1 week is incorrect as the maximal benefit is achieved within 48 hours, and waiting a week would delay the potential benefits for the preterm infant. In an educational context, understanding the timing of when the maximal benefit of antenatal corticosteroids occurs is crucial for nurses and other healthcare professionals caring for pregnant women at risk of preterm birth. Administering corticosteroids at the appropriate time can significantly improve the outcomes for preterm infants by reducing the risks of complications such as RDS. This knowledge is essential for nurses working in labor and delivery, neonatal intensive care units, and other settings where they may care for preterm infants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of intrapartum assessment of the fetus, the correct answer is A) Fetal scalp stimulation. This technique involves applying pressure or rubbing the fetal scalp to elicit a response, such as acceleration of the fetal heart rate, indicating fetal well-being and oxygenation status. Option B) Umbilical cord blood sampling is typically done after birth to assess the newborn's blood gas values and is not a method for intrapartum assessment. Option C) Placental blood sampling is not a direct method of assessing the fetus's oxygenation status during labor. Option D) Biophysical profile is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation used to assess fetal well-being and is not typically used for intrapartum assessments. In an educational context, understanding the importance of intrapartum fetal assessment techniques is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers caring for laboring women. Fetal scalp stimulation is a valuable tool to quickly assess fetal well-being and oxygenation status during labor, helping to guide clinical decision-making and interventions to ensure optimal outcomes for both the mother and the baby.