which of the following findings would indicate an altered mental status in a small child
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatrics HESI 2023

1. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.

2. A home care nurse is visiting a family for the first time. The 4-week-old infant had surgery for exstrophy of the bladder and creation of an ileal conduit soon after birth. When the nurse arrives, the mother appears tired, and the baby is crying. After an introduction, which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asking about the daily routine is the most appropriate statement by the nurse in this scenario. It allows the nurse to gather important information about the family's schedule, feeding patterns, and overall care routine for the infant. This open-ended question helps the nurse assess the family's situation comprehensively and identify any areas where support may be needed. Choices B, C, and D are less appropriate as they do not focus on gathering relevant information about the family's routine and needs but rather make assumptions or ask about specific isolated events.

3. A child undergoes heart surgery to repair the defects associated with tetralogy of Fallot. What behavior is essential for the nurse to prevent postoperatively?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct behavior that the nurse needs to prevent postoperatively is straining at stool. Straining at stool should be avoided as it can increase intrathoracic pressure, leading to stress on the surgical site. This stress can potentially compromise the surgical repair and increase the risk of complications. Crying, coughing, and unnecessary movement, although important to monitor postoperatively, do not directly impact the surgical site as significantly as straining at stool does. Therefore, the focus should be on preventing straining at stool to ensure the best postoperative outcome for the child.

4. After an infant has had corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), what should the nurse teach a parent to do immediately after a feeding to limit vomiting?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Placing the infant in an infant seat is essential after feeding to help keep the head elevated and reduce the risk of vomiting. This position helps prevent regurgitation of formula or milk. Rocking the infant (Choice A) is incorrect because it may exacerbate vomiting due to the movement. Placing the infant flat on the right side (Choice C) is incorrect as it does not promote proper digestion and can increase the risk of vomiting. Keeping the infant awake with sensory stimulation (Choice D) is incorrect as it does not directly address the physiological need to reduce vomiting after feeding.

5. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that results in the inability to metabolize phenylalanine properly. Without proper dietary management, high levels of phenylalanine can lead to severe mental retardation and other neurological problems. Therefore, educating parents about the importance of early and consistent treatment to prevent mental retardation is crucial. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect because treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management to control phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect because PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, not as an autosomal dominant gene.

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