Nursing Elites

1. What is a priority intervention for an infant with a temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Teaching how to irrigate the colostomy
• B. Protecting the skin around the colostomy
• C. Discussing the implications of a colostomy during puberty
• D. Using simple, straightforward language to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protecting the skin around the colostomy is crucial to prevent irritation and infection, which are common complications in infants with colostomies. Teaching and discussing long-term implications are important but secondary to immediate skin care needs.

2. The nurse discovers welts on the back of a Vietnamese child during a home health visit. The child's mother says she has rubbed the edge of a coin on her child's oiled skin. The nurse should recognize this as what?

• A. Child abuse
• B. Cultural practice to rid the body of disease
• C. Cultural practice to treat enuresis or temper tantrums
• D. Child discipline measure common in the Vietnamese culture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This practice, known as "coining," is a cultural method believed to rid the body of illness and is not indicative of child abuse.

3. Which congenital heart defect causes a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Coarctation of the aorta
• C. Transposition of the great arteries
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect with four distinct abnormalities, often presents with a "boot-shaped" heart on chest x-ray due to right ventricular hypertrophy. This characteristic finding is due to the specific combination of defects in this condition. Coarctation of the aorta (choice B), Transposition of the great arteries (choice C), and Ventricular septal defect (choice D) do not typically result in a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray like Tetralogy of Fallot does.

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 approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

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