Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. What is a common cause of acquired aplastic anemia in children?

• A. Deficient diet
• B. Ingestion of drugs such as chloramphenicol or antiepileptics
• C. Congenital defects
• D. Injury

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Acquired aplastic anemia in children is often caused by exposure to certain drugs, such as chloramphenicol or antiepileptics, which can lead to bone marrow failure and a decrease in all types of blood cells. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because aplastic anemia is not commonly caused by deficient diet, congenital defects, or injury in children.

3. When taking a child’s blood pressure, what percentage of the upper arm should the nurse ensure the cuff bladder width covers?

• A. 20%
• B. 40%
• C. 60%
• D. 80%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When taking a child's blood pressure, the nurse should select a cuff with a bladder width that covers 40% of the arm circumference at the midpoint of the upper arm. This ensures accurate readings. Choosing a cuff that covers less or more than 40% can lead to incorrect blood pressure measurements. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect.

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. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

Similar Questions