Nursing Elites

1. A child is admitted with renal failure. Which of these findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased BUN
• B. Azotemia and oliguria
• C. Increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
• D. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Azotemia (elevated BUN and creatinine) and oliguria (reduced urine output) are classic signs of renal failure, indicating impaired kidney function. In renal failure, the kidneys are unable to effectively filter waste products, leading to an increase in BUN and creatinine levels in the blood. Additionally, oliguria occurs due to decreased kidney function. Increased GFR (Choice C) is not expected in renal failure as it signifies improved kidney function, which is not the case in renal failure. Polyuria and elevated creatinine clearance (Choice D) are not typical findings in renal failure. Polyuria is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus, while elevated creatinine clearance would indicate increased kidney function, which is contrary to the impaired function seen in renal failure.

2. 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.

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

• A. Supine
• B. Prone
• C. Side-lying
• D. Fowler's position

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.

4. What nursing consideration is most important when caring for a child with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)?

• A. Children with ESRD usually adapt well to minor inconveniences of treatment.
• B. Children with ESRD require extensive support until they outgrow the condition.
• C. Multiple stresses are placed on children with ESRD and their families until the illness is cured.
• D. Multiple stresses are placed on children with ESRD and their families because children's lives are maintained by drugs and artificial means.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: ESRD places significant stress on both the child and the family due to the ongoing need for dialysis, medications, and lifestyle restrictions, making it important for healthcare providers to offer extensive support and resources to manage these challenges.

5. The parent of a 1-month-old infant voices concern about the infant’s respirations. The parent states the respirations are rapid and irregular. Which information should the nurse provide?

• A. The normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
• B. The respirations of a 1-month-old infant are normally irregular and periodically pause.
• C. An infant at this age should have regular respirations.
• D. The irregularity of the infant's respirations is concerning; I will notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Irregular respirations with periodic pauses are normal in a 1-month-old infant. Choice A is incorrect because the normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is higher than the range provided. Choice C is incorrect as irregular respirations are expected in infants. Choice D is not appropriate as irregular respirations with periodic pauses are a normal finding in young infants and do not necessarily indicate a concern that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

Similar Questions