Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurse suspects that a child has ingested some type of poison. What clinical manifestation would be most suggestive that the poison was a corrosive product?

• A. Tinnitus
• B. Disorientation
• C. Stupor, lethargy, and coma
• D. Edema of the lips, tongue, and pharynx

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Edema of the lips, tongue, and pharynx is a characteristic sign of corrosive poisoning, indicating damage to mucous membranes from ingestion of a caustic substance. Other symptoms may vary depending on the poison but are not as specific to corrosive ingestion.

3. What term is appropriate terminology to use for an infant whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth charts?

• A. Postterm
• B. Postmature
• C. Low birth weight
• D. Small for gestational age

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Small for gestational age.' A small for gestational age, or small-for-date, infant is any child whose intrauterine growth rate was slowed and whose birth weight falls below the 10th percentile on intrauterine growth curves. Choices A and B, 'Postterm' and 'Postmature,' refer to infants born after 42 weeks of gestational age regardless of birth weight, and do not specifically address growth rate. Choice C, 'Low birth weight,' refers to infants with a birth weight less than 2500 g (5.5 pounds) regardless of gestational age, which is a different classification compared to being small for gestational age.

4. A two-month-old infant who has gastroesophageal reflux is thriving without other complications. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Place the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding
• B. Thicken formula with rice cereal
• C. Give continuous nasogastric feedings
• D. Give larger, less frequent feeds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a two-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux who is thriving without complications is to thicken the formula with rice cereal. This can help reduce reflux by increasing the weight of the formula, making it less likely to be regurgitated. Placing the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding (Choice A) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Continuous nasogastric feedings (Choice C) are not typically indicated for uncomplicated reflux in infants. Giving larger, less frequent feeds (Choice D) can worsen reflux symptoms by overloading the stomach.

5. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

Similar Questions