Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a child with hypernatremia. The nurse evaluates the child for which signs and symptoms of hypernatremia? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Lethargy
• C. Oliguria
• D. Intense thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypernatremia typically presents with lethargy, oliguria, and intense thirst due to the body's attempt to conserve water. Apathy can also occur, but lethargy and thirst are more consistent indicators.

2. The LPN is assessing for fontanels on the head of a 6-month-old. Which fontanel is expected to still be present?

• A. Posterior
• B. Anterior
• C. Sphenoid
• D. Lambdoid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anterior. The anterior fontanel usually remains open until about 12-18 months of age, while the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months of age, and the sphenoid and lambdoid fontanels are not typically assessed in routine infant head examinations.

3. 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.

4. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

5. What is the most effective way to prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease in a daycare setting?

• A. Handwashing
• B. Isolating sick children
• C. Disinfecting toys
• D. Encouraging vaccination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Handwashing is indeed the most effective way to prevent the spread of hand, foot, and mouth disease in children. Proper hand hygiene helps in removing and killing germs that can cause infections. While isolating sick children and disinfecting toys are important measures to prevent the spread of diseases, they are not as effective as handwashing. Encouraging vaccination, in this case, is not relevant since there is no specific vaccine available for hand, foot, and mouth disease.

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