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. What condition is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children?

• A. Pyelonephritis
• B. Tubular destruction
• C. Severe dehydration
• D. Upper tract obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Severe dehydration is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children, as it leads to prerenal azotemia, which can progress to renal failure if not corrected. Other causes like pyelonephritis and tubular destruction are less common and usually secondary to other conditions.

3. The parents of a 12-month-old child ask the nurse if the child can eat hot dogs as do their other children. The nurse’s reply should be based on what?

• A. The child is too young to digest hot dogs.
• B. The child is too young to eat hot dogs safely.
• C. Hot dogs must be sliced into sections to prevent aspiration.
• D. Hot dogs must be cut into small, irregular pieces to prevent aspiration.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cutting hot dogs into small, irregular pieces reduces the risk of aspiration, which is a significant choking hazard for young children.

4. When should the nurse instruct parents to administer a daily proton pump inhibitor to their child with gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. At bedtime
• B. With a meal
• C. Midmorning
• D. 30 minutes before breakfast

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole or lansoprazole are most effective when given 30 minutes before breakfast. This timing allows the medication to inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid, providing better symptom control throughout the day. Administering the PPI at bedtime (choice A) may not be as effective as giving it before breakfast due to the timing of peak acid production during the day. Giving it with a meal (choice B) might affect the absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Midmorning administration (choice C) is not the recommended time for optimal PPI efficacy.

5. According to Maslow’s hierarchy, what is the most advanced need provided by the home environment?

• A. Love
• B. Self-actualization
• C. Esteem
• D. Physiological

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, self-actualization. Self-actualization is the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, representing the realization of one's full potential. While love is an essential need, self-actualization builds upon the fulfillment of basic needs like safety and love. Esteem needs relate to feelings of accomplishment and recognition, which come before self-actualization. Physiological needs such as food, water, and shelter are the most basic needs at the bottom of the hierarchy.

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