what is the recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. What is the recommended position for a child after a tonsillectomy?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Side-lying. The side-lying position is recommended after a tonsillectomy to facilitate drainage of secretions and reduce the risk of aspiration. This position helps prevent blood from pooling in the back of the throat, decreasing the chance of bleeding postoperatively. Supine (lying face up), while commonly used in other situations, may not be ideal immediately after a tonsillectomy due to the risk of airway obstruction from blood clots. Prone (lying face down) is not recommended as it can hinder breathing and increase the risk of complications. Fowler's position (semi-sitting) is also not typically used after a tonsillectomy because it may cause discomfort and hinder proper drainage.

2. What is the priority assessment for a nurse when caring for an infant suspected of having necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Closely monitor abdominal distention. Monitoring the abdomen for signs of distention is crucial in the early detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). In NEC, the bowel wall is edematous and breaking down, leading to abdominal distention. Holding feedings is important in the management of NEC, as feedings may need to be stopped temporarily. Checking gastric residuals before feedings helps in assessing the infant's tolerance to feedings. Taking rectal temperatures is contraindicated in NEC as it can lead to the perforation of the bowel.

3. During the 2-month well-child checkup, the nurse expects the infant to respond to sound in which manner?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: At 2 months, infants typically react to loud noises with the Moro reflex, a startle response that is normal at this stage of development.

4. The nurse is teaching parents about diarrhea in young children. A parent asks the nurse what causes most cases of diarrhea in young children. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in young children, particularly those under the age of 2. Giardia, Shigella, and Salmonella can also cause diarrhea, but in the context of young children, Rotavirus is the primary pathogen responsible for diarrheal illnesses.

5. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

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