Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery. What is an important consideration?

• A. Compress the bulb before insertion.
• B. Clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages.
• C. Use two bulb syringes, one for the mouth and pharynx and one for the nasal passages.
• D. Continue using a bulb syringe until secretions are removed as mechanical suction is contraindicated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct consideration when using a bulb syringe to suction a neonate after delivery is to clear the mouth and pharynx before the nasal passages to prevent aspiration of amniotic fluid. Compressing the bulb syringe before insertion is important to create suction. Using two bulb syringes is unnecessary, as one is sufficient for both the mouth/pharynx and nasal passages. It is not recommended to continue using a bulb syringe until all secretions are removed; instead, mechanical suction can be employed if more forceful removal of secretions is required.

2. Which is the leading cause of death in infants younger than 1 year in the United States?

• A. Congenital anomalies
• B. Sudden infant death syndrome
• C. Disorders related to short gestation and low birth weight
• D. Maternal complications specific to the perinatal period

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Congenital anomalies are the leading cause of death in infants younger than 1 year in the United States.

3. Identification and treatment of cryptorchid testes should be done by age 2 years. What is an important consideration?

• A. Medical therapy is not effective after this age.
• B. Treatment is necessary to maintain the ability to be fertile when older.
• C. The younger child can tolerate the extensive surgery needed.
• D. Sexual reassignment may be necessary if treatment is not successful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early treatment of cryptorchidism is essential to preserve fertility and prevent complications such as testicular cancer. Surgery is usually well-tolerated, and sexual reassignment is not typically related to this condition.

4. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

5. 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.

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