an 8 year old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture what should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure
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Nursing Elites

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Pediatrics HESI 2023

1. An 8-year-old child diagnosed with meningitis is to undergo a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This fluid is then examined for signs of infection, bleeding, or other abnormalities. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid is typically done during the procedure itself, but it is not the primary purpose of the lumbar puncture. While a lumbar puncture can indirectly help relieve intracranial pressure by removing excess cerebrospinal fluid, this is not its primary purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid is part of the analysis that follows the collection of the sample, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.

2. The healthcare professional is preparing a presentation to a local community group about genetic disorders and the types of congenital anomalies that can occur. What would the professional include as a major congenital anomaly?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cleft palate is considered a major congenital anomaly due to its significant impact on feeding, speech, and overall health. Overlapping digits (Option A) are a physical anomaly but not typically considered a major congenital anomaly. Polydactyly (Option B) refers to having extra fingers or toes, which is a congenital anomaly but not as major as a cleft palate. Umbilical hernia (Option C) involves a protrusion of abdominal contents through the umbilical ring but is not typically classified as a major congenital anomaly compared to cleft palate.

3. A child has coarctation of the aorta. What does the nurse expect to identify when taking the child’s vital signs?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a child has coarctation of the aorta, the nurse would expect to identify a weak radial pulse when taking the child's vital signs. Coarctation of the aorta results in a narrowing of the aorta, leading to reduced blood flow and a weakened pulse. An irregular heartbeat (Choice B) is less likely to be associated with coarctation of the aorta. Similarly, a bounding femoral pulse (Choice C) is not typically observed with this condition. An elevated radial blood pressure (Choice D) is less common as coarctation of the aorta usually causes decreased blood pressure in the lower extremities due to the aortic narrowing.

4. A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas is often affected, leading to insufficient production of digestive enzymes. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. While respiratory therapy, nutritional support, and physical activity are essential components of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, addressing the digestive aspect by administering pancreatic enzymes takes priority to prevent malnutrition and promote overall health.

5. The nurse is assessing the 'resilience' of a 16-year-old boy. Which exemplifies an external protective factor that may help to promote resiliency in this child?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A caring relationship with family members is an external protective factor that promotes resilience. It provides emotional support, stability, and a sense of belonging, which are crucial elements in building resilience. Choices A, B, and D are more related to internal factors and individual traits rather than external factors like family relationships, which play a significant role in promoting resilience. Taking control of decisions, accepting limitations, and knowing when to stop or continue with goals are internal factors that contribute to personal resilience but do not directly represent external protective factors like family relationships.

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