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 caring for a 1-month-old infant diagnosed with Hirschsprung’s disease. Which treatment measure should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Barium Enema
• B. Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel
• C. High-fiber diet
• D. Permanent colostomy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Surgical removal of the affected section of bowel. Hirschsprung's disease is a congenital condition where a portion of the large intestine lacks nerve cells, leading to difficulties in passing stool. The definitive treatment for this condition is the surgical removal of the affected section of the bowel. Barium enema (Choice A) may be used for diagnosis but is not a treatment. A high-fiber diet (Choice C) is not effective in managing Hirschsprung's disease. A permanent colostomy (Choice D) is not the initial treatment for this condition in infants.

3. The child is admitted to the hospital unit newly diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Which clinical manifestation does the nurse anticipate upon assessment?

• A. A white reflex
• B. Blue-tinged sclerae
• C. A red reflex
• D. Yellow-tinged sclerae

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A white reflex. The 'white reflex' or leukocoria is a common sign of retinoblastoma. It occurs when the light reflects off the tumor in the eye, giving the pupil a white appearance instead of the normal red reflex. Blue-tinged sclerae (choice B) and yellow-tinged sclerae (choice D) are not typical manifestations of retinoblastoma. A red reflex (choice C) is the normal reflection seen in the eye when light is shone on it and is not associated with retinoblastoma.

4. 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.

5. How is masturbation in the pre-school child viewed?

• A. Abnormal behavior that needs to be dealt with immediately
• B. Disruptive to the family
• C. Normal behavior that can best be dealt with by ignoring and providing distraction
• D. Embarrassing to the parents

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Masturbation in preschool children is a normal behavior as they explore their bodies. It is best viewed as a natural part of development. Parents are often advised to ignore it and provide distractions rather than making the child feel ashamed or embarrassed. Choice A is incorrect because it is a natural behavior and not considered abnormal in this context. Choice B is incorrect as it does not necessarily disrupt the family. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on the child's development and well-being, not on the parents' feelings of embarrassment.

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