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. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

3. What is most important in the management of cellulitis?

• A. Burow solution compresses
• B. Oral or parenteral antibiotics
• C. Topical application of an antibiotic
• D. Incision and drainage of severe lesions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oral or parenteral antibiotics are essential in treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. Topical antibiotics are not sufficient, and incision and drainage are only for abscesses.

4. The nurse observes that a newborn is having problems after birth. What should indicate a tracheoesophageal fistula?

• A. Jitteriness
• B. Meconium ileus
• C. Excessive frothy saliva
• D. Increased need for sleep

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Excessive frothy saliva is a hallmark sign of tracheoesophageal fistula. The abnormal connection between the esophagus and trachea causes difficulty in swallowing, leading to an accumulation of saliva in the mouth. This symptom is crucial for early identification and management of tracheoesophageal fistula. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not specific indicators of tracheoesophageal fistula.

5. The nurse is caring for a child receiving chemotherapy with the following orders: Zantac 70 mg IV in normal saline 30 mL to infuse over 30 minutes. The nurse should set the infusion pump to deliver how many mL/hour?

• A. 60 mL/hour
• B. 45 mL/hour
• C. 30 mL/hour
• D. 15 mL/hour

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 60 mL/hour. The total volume to be infused is 30 mL over 30 minutes. To calculate the infusion rate in mL/hour, divide the total volume by the total time in hours. In this case, 30 mL / 0.5 hours = 60 mL/hour. Choice B, 45 mL/hour, is incorrect as it does not correspond to the calculated infusion rate. Choices C and D, 30 mL/hour and 15 mL/hour respectively, are also incorrect based on the calculation.

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