Nursing Elites

1. What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years?

• A. Salmonella
• B. Rotavirus
• C. Norovirus
• D. Shigella

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years. It leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Vaccination against rotavirus has significantly reduced the incidence of this disease, but it remains a major cause of morbidity in young children globally. Salmonella and Shigella can cause gastroenteritis, but they are less common in children under 5 years. Norovirus is also a common cause of gastroenteritis, but Rotavirus is the most prevalent in this age group.

2. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Slow respirations
• C. Warm, flushed skin
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

3. At a well-child visit, parents ask the nurse how to know if a daycare facility is a good choice for their infant. Which observation should the nurse stress as especially important to consider when making the selection?

• A. Developmentally appropriate toys
• B. Nutritious snacks served to the children
• C. Handwashing by providers after diaper changes
• D. Certified caregivers for each of the age groups at the facility

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring that providers practice proper handwashing after diaper changes is crucial in preventing the spread of infections and maintaining a hygienic environment for the infants.

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 is the most frequent cause of hypovolemic shock in children?

• A. Sepsis
• B. Blood loss
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypovolemic shock in children is most frequently caused by blood loss, which can result from trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Sepsis and anaphylaxis can lead to different types of shock (septic and anaphylactic), and heart failure is related to cardiogenic shock.

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