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 young mother asks if her 9-month-old can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of formula. You explain that:

• A. Cow’s milk is easier to digest than formula
• B. Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year
• C. As long as whole milk is given and not skim milk, it is okay
• D. Cow’s milk will decrease the chance of iron deficiency anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age as it lacks essential nutrients like iron and can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to continue with breast milk or formula to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met. Choice A is incorrect as cow’s milk is not easier to digest than formula for infants. Choice C is incorrect as the type of milk, whether whole or skim, is not the primary concern at this age. Choice D is incorrect as cow’s milk can actually increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

3. A child with acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning has been admitted to the emergency department. What antidote does the nurse anticipate being prescribed?

• A. Carnitine (Carnitor)
• B. Fomepizole (Antizol)
• C. Deferoxamine (Desferal)
• D. N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, working by replenishing glutathione and preventing liver damage. The other options are antidotes for different types of poisoning (e.g., Fomepizole for methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning).

4. An adolescent patient wants to make decisions about treatment options, along with his parents. Which moral value is the nurse displaying when supporting the adolescent to make decisions?

• A. Justice
• B. Autonomy
• C. Beneficence
• D. Nonmaleficence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Supporting an adolescent in making decisions about their care reflects the moral value of autonomy, emphasizing the importance of respecting the patient's right to make informed choices.

5. A child is admitted to the hospital with acute renal failure. The parents ask about the prognosis for acute renal failure. The nurse’s response should be based on which statement about acute renal failure?

• A. Children with acute renal failure will have to take prophylactic antibiotics for life.
• B. Acute renal failure always leads to chronic renal failure.
• C. Acute renal failure may be reversible.
• D. All children with acute renal failure will eventually need a kidney transplant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Acute renal failure in children is often reversible, especially when the underlying cause is identified and treated promptly. It does not always lead to chronic renal failure or the need for a kidney transplant. Choice A is incorrect as prophylactic antibiotics for life are not a standard treatment for acute renal failure. Choice B is incorrect as acute renal failure does not always progress to chronic renal failure. Choice D is incorrect as not all children with acute renal failure will eventually require a kidney transplant.

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