ATI RN
ATI Nursing Care of Children
1. A 12-month-old child presents to the clinic for a well visit after missing several appointments. The child began her immunization schedule but has missed several follow-up appointments and doses of immunizations. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Administer initial immunizations from the beginning of the schedule.
- B. The child cannot receive missed immunizations if the schedule is not followed and will not be vaccinated.
- C. The child should only receive the missed doses of immunizations based on the catch-up schedule.
- D. The child should receive double-strength immunizations at this well visit.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Children who began primary immunization at the recommended age but fail to receive all the doses do not need to begin the series again but should receive only the missed doses. The child may receive missed vaccinations on a catch-up schedule per CDC guidelines.
2. What is a priority intervention for an infant with a temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease?
- A. Teaching how to irrigate the colostomy
- B. Protecting the skin around the colostomy
- C. Discussing the implications of a colostomy during puberty
- D. Using simple, straightforward language to prepare the child
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Protecting the skin around the colostomy is crucial to prevent irritation and infection, which are common complications in infants with colostomies. Teaching and discussing long-term implications are important but secondary to immediate skin care needs.
3. One of the most critical needs of the infant is control of body temperature. The nurse caring for a newborn warms all equipment that comes in direct contact with the newborn to help prevent which type of heat loss?
- A. Convection
- B. Evaporation
- C. Conduction
- D. Radiation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is Conduction (choice C). Conduction heat loss occurs when the newborn’s skin comes into direct contact with a cooler surface, so warming equipment helps prevent this. Choice A, Convection, is the transfer of heat through air or water currents, not direct contact. Choice B, Evaporation, is the loss of heat through moisture on the skin evaporating, not direct contact. Choice D, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of waves or particles, not direct contact.
4. Parents of a preschool child ask the nurse, "Should we set rules for our child as part of a discipline plan?" Which is an accurate response by the nurse?
- A. It is best to delay the punishment if a rule is broken.
- B. The child is too young for rules. At this age, unrestricted freedom is best.
- C. It is best to set the rules and reason with the child when the rules are broken.
- D. Set clear and reasonable rules and expect the same behavior regardless of the circumstances.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clear and reasonable rules provide structure and help children understand expectations, promoting consistent behavior and discipline.
5. An infant with hydrocephalus is hospitalized for surgical placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Postoperative nursing care would include what?
- A. Monitor closely for signs of infection.
- B. Place the child with the operative side of the head up.
- C. Avoid pumping the shunt reservoir to maintain patency.
- D. Avoid maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Postoperative nursing care for an infant with hydrocephalus who underwent ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement includes monitoring closely for signs of infection, as infection is the greatest hazard in the postoperative period. Signs of cerebrospinal fluid infection to watch for include elevated temperature, poor feeding, vomiting, decreased responsiveness, and seizure activity. The child should be placed with the operative side of the head up to reduce pressure on the valve. The shunt reservoir should not be pumped to maintain patency, as this can disrupt its function. Maintaining a Trendelenburg position to decrease pressure on the shunt is contraindicated as it can lead to increased intracranial pressure and compromise the shunt's effectiveness.