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 eleven-year-old boy is admitted with a history of type 1 diabetes. What information about school age should the nurse use to formulate the teaching plan for daily injections?

• A. The parents do not need to learn the procedure.
• B. The child is old enough to give most of his injections.
• C. Self-injections will be possible when he is closer to adolescence.
• D. The child can learn about self-injections when he is able to reach all injection sites.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: By the age of eleven, many children are capable of administering their own insulin injections with supervision, fostering independence and better management of their diabetes. This age is appropriate for the child to take on more responsibility for their care. While parental involvement is still crucial for supervision and guidance, the child can start to learn and perform the injections themselves. Choice A is incorrect because parental involvement is important for safety and proper technique. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until closer to adolescence may delay the child's ability to manage their diabetes effectively. Choice D is incorrect as reaching injection sites is not the sole criteria; proper technique and supervision are essential.

3. Why does the nurse have a 2-year-old boy sit in a “tailor” position while palpating for the presence of the testes?

• A. It prevents the cremasteric reflex
• B. Undescended testes can be palpated
• C. The child has an inguinal hernia
• D. The child does not yet have a need for privacy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The tailor position stretches the muscle responsible for the cremasteric reflex, preventing it from contracting and pulling the testes into the pelvic cavity. This position helps accurately palpate the testes. Choice B is incorrect because the position does not facilitate the palpation of undescended testes specifically. Choice C is incorrect as it does not relate to the rationale behind the tailor position. Choice D is incorrect as the reason for using the tailor position is not related to the child's need for privacy.

4. The nurse is caring for a non-English-speaking child and family. Which should the nurse consider when using an interpreter?

• A. Pose several questions at a time
• B. Use medical jargon when possible
• C. Communicate directly with family members when asking questions
• D. Carry on some communication in English with the interpreter about the family's needs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should communicate directly with the family members when asking questions, ensuring the interpreter translates accurately without adding or omitting information.

5. 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.

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