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 school-age client is in the playroom when the respiratory therapist arrives to give a scheduled breathing treatment. What is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Escort the child to their room and ask the child-life specialist to bring toys to the bedside
• B. Reschedule the treatment for a later time
• C. Assist the child back to their room for the treatment but reassure them that they may return when the procedure is completed
• D. Show the respiratory therapist to the playroom

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action is to assist the child back to their room for the treatment but reassure them that they may return when the procedure is completed. This approach ensures that the child receives the necessary treatment while also acknowledging their desire to continue playing in the playroom. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests moving the child to the room and asking the child-life specialist to bring toys, which may not be necessary. Choice B is incorrect as rescheduling the treatment may not be in the best interest of the child's health. Choice D is incorrect as the nurse should guide the child back to their room for the treatment.

3. Which vaccine is contraindicated in a child with a history of severe egg allergy?

• A. MMR
• B. Varicella
• C. Influenza
• D. Hepatitis B

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Influenza. The influenza vaccine is produced using egg-based technology, so individuals with a severe egg allergy are at risk of an allergic reaction if vaccinated with the influenza vaccine. This is due to the potential presence of egg proteins in the vaccine. Choices A, B, and D are not contraindicated in children with severe egg allergy. The MMR and Varicella vaccines do not pose a risk for children with egg allergies, and the Hepatitis B vaccine is also safe for these individuals.

4. The nurse is teaching a client to prevent future urinary tract infections (UTIs). What factor is most important to emphasize as the potential cause?

• A. Poor hygiene
• B. Constipation
• C. Urinary stasis
• D. Congenital anomalies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Urinary stasis is the most important factor in the development of UTIs because it provides an environment for bacterial growth. While poor hygiene and congenital anomalies are contributing factors, preventing urinary stasis is key in UTI prevention.

5. The nurse is preparing a 9-year-old boy before obtaining a blood specimen by venipuncture. The child tells the nurse he does not want to lose his blood. What approach is best by the nurse?

• A. Explain that it will not be painful.
• B. Suggest to him that he not worry about losing just a little bit of blood.
• C. Discuss with him how his body is always in the process of making blood.
• D. Tell the child that he will not even need a Band-Aid afterward because it is a simple procedure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discussing how the body continuously makes blood helps the child understand that losing a small amount is normal and not harmful. This educational approach also helps reduce anxiety by giving the child a sense of control over the situation.

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