Alice is rushed to the emergency department during an acute, severe prolonged asthma attack and is unresponsive to usual treatment. The condition is referred to as which of the following?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Status asthmaticus is a severe and persistent asthma attack that does not respond to standard treatments like inhalers or nebulizers. It is a life-threatening condition that can lead to respiratory failure if not treated promptly. Patients with status asthmaticus may require IV medications, oxygen therapy, and possibly mechanical ventilation to support their breathing. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent serious complications and potential death.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should explain to the baby's parents that the ventricular septal defect will likely close without therapy. Small ventricular septal defects have a high likelihood of closing on their own as the child grows. Surgical intervention is usually not necessary for small defects, especially when the baby does not exhibit signs of congestive heart failure. It is important for the parents to be aware of the natural course of the defect and to follow up with the healthcare provider for monitoring and management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is performing Ortolani's maneuver, which is used to assess for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants. After abducting the infant's flexed legs, the nurse should then listen for a "click" that may indicate hip instability. A positive click suggests subluxation of the femoral head and may indicate the presence of DDH. It is important for the nurse to recognize this finding promptly and report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Rotation of the hips, extending the legs, and palpating for a mass are not the appropriate next steps in this specific assessment for DDH.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The major manifestation of nephrotic syndrome is edema. Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to excessive protein loss in the urine. This results in low levels of protein in the blood, particularly albumin, leading to a decrease in oncotic pressure. The decreased oncotic pressure causes fluid to accumulate in the interstitial spaces, leading to edema formation. Patients with nephrotic syndrome typically present with periorbital edema, pedal edema, and ascites due to the fluid redistribution in the body. Hematuria, hyperalbuminemia, and anemia are not typically the primary manifestations of nephrotic syndrome.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cretinism is a condition caused by congenital hypothyroidism. Common features of cretinism include umbilical hernia, wet skin, and feeding problems. Prolonged jaundice is not typically associated with cretinism. Jaundice is more commonly seen in conditions such as neonatal hepatitis or biliary atresia.