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 sixteen-year-old boy is diagnosed with osteosarcoma. What information should the nurse know regarding the treatment plan?

• A. Amputation of the affected extremity is rarely necessary.
• B. Intensive radiation is the primary treatment modality.
• C. Treatment usually consists of surgery and chemotherapy.
• D. Bone marrow transplantation is the preferred option for long-term survival.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osteosarcoma is typically treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. This approach aims to remove the tumor and reduce the risk of metastasis. Amputation of the affected extremity may be necessary in some cases to ensure complete removal of the tumor. Intensive radiation is not the primary treatment for osteosarcoma, and bone marrow transplantation is not the standard treatment for this type of cancer.

3. You are developing a plan of care for a hospitalized child. Which age group is most likely to view illness as a punishment for misdeeds?

• A. Adolescence
• B. Preschool age
• C. Infancy
• D. School age

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preschool-aged children often engage in magical thinking, where they may believe that illness is a punishment for misdeeds. This belief is related to their cognitive development stage, where they may attribute cause and effect in a magical or unrealistic way. Adolescents are more likely to view illness as a disruption to their sense of independence or control. Infants lack the cognitive development to associate illness with punishment for misdeeds. School-aged children typically have a more concrete understanding of illness and its causes, moving away from magical thinking.

4. The nurse is planning to counsel family members as a group to assess the family's group dynamics. Which theoretical family model is the nurse using as a framework?

• A. Feminist theory
• B. Family stress theory
• C. Family systems theory
• D. Developmental theory

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Family systems theory views the family as an interconnected system where changes in one member affect the entire family, making it ideal for assessing group dynamics.

5. When taking a child’s blood pressure, what percentage of the upper arm should the nurse ensure the cuff bladder width covers?

• A. 20%
• B. 40%
• C. 60%
• D. 80%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When taking a child's blood pressure, the nurse should select a cuff with a bladder width that covers 40% of the arm circumference at the midpoint of the upper arm. This ensures accurate readings. Choosing a cuff that covers less or more than 40% can lead to incorrect blood pressure measurements. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

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