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. What clinical manifestation(s) is associated with calcium depletion (hypocalcemia)?

• A. Nausea, vomiting
• B. Weakness, fatigue
• C. Muscle hypotonicity
• D. Neuromuscular irritability

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypocalcemia can lead to neuromuscular irritability, causing symptoms such as muscle cramps, tetany, or seizures. Other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and weakness are less specific and can be related to various conditions.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis?

• A. Occurs after a urinary tract infection
• B. Occurs after a streptococcal infection
• C. Associated with renal vascular disorders
• D. Is caused by E. coli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Occurs after a streptococcal infection.' Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis often occurs after an infection with certain strains of streptococcus bacteria, specifically group A streptococcus. The body’s immune response to the infection leads to inflammation and damage in the kidneys. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis is primarily associated with streptococcal infections, not urinary tract infections, renal vascular disorders, or E. coli.

4. Which is a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery if pain is not managed?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Increase in cardiac output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Poorly managed pain after abdominal surgery can lead to complications like atelectasis due to shallow breathing, which may occur if the child avoids deep breaths because of pain.

5. A child is admitted with acute glomerulonephritis. What should the nurse expect the urinalysis during this acute phase to show?

• A. Bacteriuria and hematuria
• B. Hematuria and proteinuria
• C. Bacteriuria and increased specific gravity
• D. Proteinuria and decreased specific gravity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine) are common findings in acute glomerulonephritis due to inflammation of the glomeruli. Bacteriuria and changes in specific gravity are not as directly associated with this condition.

Similar Questions