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. An infant has been diagnosed with bladder obstruction. What do symptoms of this disorder include?

• A. Renal colic
• B. Strong urinary stream
• C. Urinary tract infections
• D. Post urination dribbling

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Post-urination dribbling is a symptom of bladder obstruction due to the incomplete emptying of the bladder. A strong urinary stream is typically absent in such cases. UTIs are common, but dribbling is more directly related to the obstruction.

3. The parents of a child with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (APIGN) ask how they will know that the condition is improving. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child’s urine output will increase, and the urine will become less brown in color.
• B. Your child will rest more comfortably.
• C. Your child’s appetite will decrease.
• D. Your child’s laboratory test values will show increased BUN.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Improvement in APIGN is indicated by an increase in urine output and a change in urine color from brown (due to hematuria) to a more normal appearance. This reflects a reduction in glomerular inflammation and improved kidney function. Choice B is incorrect because resting more comfortably is not a direct indicator of kidney function improvement. Choice C is incorrect because a decrease in appetite is not typically associated with improvement in APIGN. Choice D is incorrect because an increased BUN value would suggest worsening kidney function rather than improvement.

4. What is an important priority in dealing with the child suspected of having Wilms tumor?

• A. Intervening to minimize bleeding
• B. Monitoring temperature for infection
• C. Ensuring the abdomen is protected from palpation
• D. Teaching parents how to manage parenteral nutrition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct priority in dealing with a child suspected of having Wilms tumor is ensuring the abdomen is protected from palpation. Palpating the abdomen could lead to tumor dissemination, which is crucial to prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Intervening to minimize bleeding, monitoring temperature for infection, and teaching parents how to manage parenteral nutrition are not the immediate priorities in suspected cases of Wilms tumor.

5. Which finding suggests fluid volume deficit in an infant presenting with vomiting and diarrhea for 2 days?

• A. Increased blood pressure
• B. A sunken fontanel
• C. Decreased pulse rate
• D. Low urine specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A sunken fontanel is a classic sign of dehydration in infants, indicating a fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, the fontanel sinks due to decreased fluid volume in the body. Increased blood pressure (Choice A) is not typically associated with dehydration in infants. Decreased pulse rate (Choice C) is not a common finding in fluid volume deficit, as the body tries to increase the heart rate to compensate for decreased volume. Low urine specific gravity (Choice D) may be seen in dehydration, but it is not as specific or as easily observable as a sunken fontanel.

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