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. Which explains the importance of detecting strabismus in young children?

• A. Color vision deficit may result.
• B. Amblyopia, a type of blindness, may result.
• C. Epicanthal folds may develop in the affected eye
• D. Corneal light reflexes may fall symmetrically within each pupil

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Undetected strabismus can lead to amblyopia, where the brain favors one eye over the other, potentially resulting in permanent vision loss in the affected eye.

3. An infant with short bowel syndrome will be on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for an extended period of time. What should the nurse monitor the infant for?

• A. Central venous catheter infection, electrolyte losses, and hyperglycemia
• B. Hypoglycemia, catheter migration, and weight gain
• C. Venous thrombosis, hyperlipidemia, and constipation
• D. Catheter damage, red currant jelly stools, and hypoglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Infants with short bowel syndrome requiring prolonged total parenteral nutrition (TPN) are susceptible to central venous catheter infections, electrolyte losses, and hyperglycemia. Monitoring for these complications is crucial to prevent serious outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the common complications associated with prolonged TPN in infants.

4. What is the first-line treatment for a febrile seizure in a child?

• A. Antipyretics
• B. Anticonvulsants
• C. Cooling blankets
• D. IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Antipyretics. Febrile seizures in children are usually associated with fever. The first-line treatment aims to reduce fever, which can help prevent febrile seizures. Antipyretics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly used for this purpose. Anticonvulsants, while used for treating seizures, are not typically the first-line treatment for febrile seizures as they are usually self-limited and resolve on their own. Cooling blankets can be used to lower body temperature in cases of hyperthermia but are not the primary treatment for febrile seizures. IV fluids may be administered in cases of dehydration due to fever or if the child cannot tolerate oral intake, but they are not the first-line treatment for febrile seizures.

5. The nurse determines that a child's intravenous infusion has infiltrated. The infused solution is a vesicant. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Stop the infusion and apply ice.
• B. End the infusion and notify the practitioner.
• C. Slow the infusion rate and notify the practitioner.
• D. Discontinue the infusion and apply warm compresses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If a vesicant solution infiltrates, stopping the infusion immediately and notifying the practitioner is critical to prevent tissue damage. Cold or warm compresses should only be applied following specific medical advice based on the vesicant involved.

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