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. A child who weighs 10 kg is to receive Motrin 8 mg/kg po q4h prn for pain. The label reads 100 mg/5 mL. How much will you administer?

• A. 4 mL
• B. 2 mL
• C. 5 mL
• D. 3 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the dosage, multiply the child's weight (10 kg) by the dosage (8 mg/kg) which equals 80 mg. Since the concentration is 100 mg/5 mL, to find out how much to administer, you need to determine how many 5 mL doses are in 80 mg. It will be 80 mg ÷ 100 mg * 5 mL = 4 mL. Therefore, the correct answer is 4 mL. Choice B, 2 mL, is incorrect because it does not account for the correct dosage calculation. Choice C, 5 mL, is incorrect as it does not consider the dosage based on the child's weight. Choice D, 3 mL, is incorrect as it does not reflect the accurate dosage calculation.

3. What is a common sign of moderate dehydration in children?

• A. Dry mucous membranes
• B. Normal capillary refill
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of moderate dehydration in children, indicating a loss of bodily fluids. When a child is moderately dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may appear dry. This condition can occur due to various factors such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Normal capillary refill (choice B) is not typically associated with dehydration; it is a measure of circulatory status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice C) can be present in conditions like gastroenteritis but are not specific to dehydration. Edema (choice D) is the retention of fluid in the body and is not a typical sign of dehydration.

4. When assessing a preschooler's chest, what should the nurse expect?

• A. Respiratory movements to be chiefly thoracic
• B. Anteroposterior diameter to be equal to the transverse diameter
• C. Retraction of the muscles between the ribs on respiratory movement
• D. Movement of the chest wall to be symmetric bilaterally and coordinated with breathing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a preschooler, chest movement should be symmetric and coordinated with breathing, indicating healthy respiratory function.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with a urinary tract infection who is on intravenous gentamicin (Garamycin). What interventions should the nurse plan for this child with regard to this medication? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Encourage fluids.
• B. Monitor urinary output.
• C. Monitor sodium serum levels.
• D. All above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that requires monitoring of serum peak and trough levels to avoid toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Encouraging fluids and monitoring urinary output are also crucial to minimize the risk of kidney damage.

Similar Questions