Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is selecting a site to begin an intravenous infusion on a 2-year-old child. The superficial veins on his hand and arm are not readily visible. What intervention should increase the visibility of these veins?

• A. Gently tap over the site.
• B. Apply a cold compress to the site.
• C. Raise the extremity above the level of the body
• D. Use a rubber band as a tourniquet for 5 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gently tapping over the site helps dilate the veins and increase visibility. Applying a cold compress or raising the extremity above the body level constricts the veins, making them harder to access. Prolonged tourniquet use can cause discomfort and venous congestion.

2. The nurse is caring for a child with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis?

• A. Occurs after a urinary tract infection
• B. Occurs after a streptococcal infection
• C. Associated with renal vascular disorders
• D. Is caused by E. coli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Occurs after a streptococcal infection.' Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis often occurs after an infection with certain strains of streptococcus bacteria, specifically group A streptococcus. The body’s immune response to the infection leads to inflammation and damage in the kidneys. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis is primarily associated with streptococcal infections, not urinary tract infections, renal vascular disorders, or E. coli.

3. A child is admitted with renal failure. Which of these findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased BUN
• B. Azotemia and oliguria
• C. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• D. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Azotemia (elevated BUN and creatinine) and oliguria (reduced urine output) are classic signs of renal failure, indicating impaired kidney function. In renal failure, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN and creatinine levels in the blood. Additionally, oliguria occurs due to decreased kidney function. Increased GFR (Choice C) is not expected in renal failure as it signifies improved kidney function, which is not the case in renal failure. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance (Choice D) are not typical findings in renal failure. Polyuria is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus, while elevated creatinine clearance would indicate increased kidney function, which is contrary to the impaired function seen in renal failure.

4. 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.

5. What signs or symptoms are most commonly associated with the prodromal phase of acute viral hepatitis?

• A. Bruising and lethargy
• B. Anorexia and malaise
• C. Fatigability and jaundice
• D. Dark urine and pale stools

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anorexia and malaise. The prodromal phase of acute viral hepatitis is characterized by nonspecific symptoms such as anorexia (loss of appetite) and malaise (general feeling of discomfort). These symptoms typically precede the more specific signs of jaundice, dark urine, and pale stools that manifest in the icteric phase. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because bruising and lethargy, fatigability and jaundice, and dark urine and pale stools are typically seen in later stages of acute viral hepatitis, not in the prodromal phase.

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