ATI RN
RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A
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 healthcare professional is preparing to administer verapamil by IV bolus to a client who is experiencing cardiac dysrhythmias. For which of the following adverse effects should the healthcare professional monitor when giving this medication?
- A. Hyperthermia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Ototoxicity
- D. Muscle pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Verapamil is known to cause hypotension as one of its adverse effects due to its vasodilatory properties. Therefore, it is essential for the healthcare professional to monitor the client's blood pressure closely during and after administration to prevent complications such as severe hypotension. Hyperthermia, ototoxicity, and muscle pain are not commonly associated with verapamil administration, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient with an advanced stage of breast cancer and the patient has recently learned that her cancer has metastasized. The nurse enters the room and finds the patient struggling to breathe and the nurse’s rapid assessment reveals that the patient’s jugular veins are distended. The nurse should suspect the development of what oncologic emergency?
- A. Increased intracranial pressure
- B. Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS)
- C. Spinal cord compression
- D. Metastatic tumor of the neck
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) occurs when the superior vena cava, the large vein responsible for returning blood from the upper body to the heart, becomes obstructed or compressed, often due to a tumor, such as metastasized breast cancer. SVCS results in impaired venous drainage, leading to symptoms like distended jugular veins, facial swelling, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and upper body edema. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt intervention to restore blood flow and alleviate symptoms.
4. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?
- A. Projectile vomiting
- B. Bilious vomiting
- C. Frequent spitting up
- D. Diarrhea
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Frequent spitting up is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is caused by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to infants regurgitating milk or formula shortly after feeding. Projectile vomiting (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis rather than gastroesophageal reflux. Bilious vomiting (choice B) often indicates an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea (choice D) is not typically a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.
5. A 30-year-old male is being treated with testosterone enanthate for delayed puberty. What side effect should the nurse inform the patient about?
- A. Increased libido
- B. Decreased muscle mass
- C. Breast tenderness
- D. Increased aggression
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct side effect that the nurse should inform the patient about when receiving testosterone enanthate therapy for delayed puberty is increased aggression. Testosterone therapy can lead to mood changes, including increased aggression in some individuals. Therefore, it is essential for healthcare providers to educate patients about this potential side effect. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because testosterone therapy is more likely to increase libido, promote muscle mass growth, and may cause breast tenderness due to hormonal imbalances.