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 is the most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The most critical physiological change required of newborns at birth is the initiation of breathing. This transition is crucial for the newborn to start exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide outside the womb, marking the beginning of their independent respiratory function. Choices B, C, and D are important aspects of newborn care but are not as immediately critical as the establishment of breathing for oxygenation and removal of carbon dioxide, which is essential for the newborn's survival and adaptation to extrauterine life.

3. What approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

4. Congenital defects of the genitourinary tract, such as hypospadias, are usually repaired as early as possible to accomplish what?

• A. Minimize separation anxiety
• B. Prevent urinary complications.
• C. Increase acceptance of hospitalization.
• D. Promote development of normal body image.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Early repair of congenital genitourinary defects like hypospadias is important to promote a normal body image and avoid psychological issues as the child grows. It also helps prevent urinary complications and allows for normal development.

5. Chemicals, agents, or factors that cause physical defects in the developing embryo and are most harmful during organogenesis are:

• A. Teratogens
• B. Heterozygous
• C. Inborn errors
• D. Multifactorial

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Teratogens are substances that can cause congenital abnormalities, especially during the first trimester when organogenesis occurs. Choice A, Teratogens, is the correct answer as it specifically refers to substances that cause physical defects in the developing embryo. Choices B, Heterozygous, C, Inborn errors, and D, Multifactorial, are incorrect as they do not directly relate to substances that cause physical defects in embryos during organogenesis.

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