Nursing Elites

1. The apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate for the third time during this shift. What is the priority action by the nurse?

• A. Provide tactile stimulation.
• B. Administer 100% oxygen.
• C. Investigate possible causes of a false alarm.
• D. Assess infant for color and presence of respirations.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse when the apnea monitor alarm sounds on a neonate is to assess the infant for color and the presence of respirations. This initial assessment helps determine the infant's respiratory status and the need for immediate intervention. Providing tactile stimulation or administering oxygen should only be done after assessing the infant's respiratory status. Investigating possible causes of a false alarm comes after ensuring the infant's well-being through the initial assessment.

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 condition is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough in children?

• A. Croup
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

4. What is the recommended method to assess hydration status in infants?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Skin turgor
• C. Urine output
• D. Mucous membranes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine output. Assessing urine output is a recommended method to determine hydration status in infants. Adequate urine output indicates good hydration, while decreased urine output may suggest dehydration. Capillary refill time (Choice A) is more indicative of circulatory status rather than hydration. Skin turgor (Choice B) is a useful assessment in adults but can be less reliable in infants. Checking mucous membranes (Choice D) can provide some information on hydration, but it is not as reliable as assessing urine output in infants.

5. The nurse is taking a health history of an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined?

• A. Request a detailed listing of symptoms.
• B. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?"
• C. Interview the parent away from the adolescent to determine the chief complaint
• D. Use what the adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking the adolescent directly about the reason for their visit encourages open communication and helps the nurse understand the primary concern from the patient's perspective.

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