Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurse is teaching the mother of a 9-month-old infant about administering liquid iron preparation. Which information should be included in the teaching?

• A. Adequate dosage will turn the stools a tarry, black color.
• B. Give Vitamin D to enhance absorption.
• C. Allow the liquid iron to mix with saliva before swallowing.
• D. Give the liquid iron with meals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Iron supplements can cause stools to turn black, which is a normal and harmless side effect. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, although it can be given with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Vitamin C, not D, enhances iron absorption. Choice B is incorrect because Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, not Vitamin D. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to mix liquid iron with saliva before swallowing. Choice D is incorrect because iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

3. In assessing sexual maturity levels, which tool would you expect to use?

• A. Denver II Developmental Screening
• B. Tanner staging
• C. Antibody testing
• D. Nursing process

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tanner staging. Tanner staging is a tool specifically used to assess sexual maturity in adolescents based on the development of secondary sexual characteristics. The Tanner scale ranges from stage 1 (prepubertal) to stage 5 (adult maturity). This tool helps healthcare providers evaluate the physical development and sexual maturation of individuals. Choice A, the Denver II Developmental Screening, is used to assess developmental milestones in children. Choice C, antibody testing, is a diagnostic tool used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the blood. Choice D, the nursing process, is a systematic method that nurses use to deliver patient-centered care, involving assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

4. After 8 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Chris will soon be discharged. His parents seem apprehensive and worry that he may still be in danger. What is this considered by the nurse?

• A. A common parental reaction
• B. Suggestive of maladaptation
• C. A reason to postpone discharge
• D. Suggestive of inadequate bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parents become apprehensive and worried as the time for discharge approaches, which is a common parental reaction. They often have concerns and insecurities about caring for their infant. The worry about potential dangers is a normal adaptive response reflecting the parents' concern for their child's well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to acknowledge these feelings and support parents in gaining confidence in caring for their infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parents' apprehension in this context is a typical emotional response and not indicative of maladaptation, a reason to postpone discharge, or inadequate bonding.

5. What intervention is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Apply cold compresses
• C. Restrict fluids
• D. Encourage bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child as it helps to prevent further sickling of cells. Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen saturation levels, reducing the risk of tissue damage and complications. Applying cold compresses (choice B) is not recommended as it can potentially worsen vaso-occlusive crisis by causing vasoconstriction. Restricting fluids (choice C) is not appropriate as hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain adequate blood flow. Encouraging bed rest (choice D) may be necessary but administering oxygen takes precedence in managing a sickle cell crisis.

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