Nursing Elites

1. During a routine health assessment, the nurse notes that an 8-month-old infant has a significant head lag. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Recheck head control at the next visit
• B. Teach the parents appropriate exercises
• C. Schedule the child for further evaluation
• D. Refer the child for further evaluation if the anterior fontanel is still open

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Significant head lag at 8 months is concerning and warrants further evaluation, as it may indicate developmental delays or neurological issues.

2. 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.

3. Which term best describes the sharing of common characteristics that differentiate one group from other groups in a society?

• A. Race
• B. Culture
• C. Ethnicity
• D. Superiority

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ethnicity refers to the shared characteristics such as nationality, culture, language, and beliefs that differentiate one group from another.

4. At a well-visit, a mother voices concern that her 30-month-old has a smaller vocabulary than other children in his daycare. The nurse should:

• A. Admit the child to the hospital
• B. Assess the child for other age-appropriate development
• C. Suggest that the child is hearing impaired
• D. Explain that the child has a significant developmental delay

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a parent expresses concern about a child's development, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive assessment of all areas of development before jumping to conclusions. Choosing option B allows the nurse to evaluate the child for other age-appropriate developmental milestones to determine if there are any delays or concerns. Admitting the child to the hospital (option A) is not necessary at this point and may cause unnecessary stress. Suggesting hearing impairment (option C) without proper evaluation can lead to misdiagnosis. Explaining a significant developmental delay (option D) should only be done after a thorough assessment and diagnosis.

5. Which drug is usually the best choice for patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for a child in the immediate postoperative period?

• A. Codeine sulfate (Codeine)
• B. Morphine (Roxanol)
• C. Methadone (Dolophine)
• D. Meperidine (Demerol)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Morphine is the drug of choice for PCA in children because of its efficacy, safety profile, and rapid onset of action for pain management.

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