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. At which age should the nurse expect most infants to begin to say mama and dada with meaning?

• A. 4 months
• B. 6 months
• C. 10 months
• D. 14 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By around 10 months, infants often start to say "mama" and "dada" with meaning, associating these words with their parents.

3. One of the most critical needs of the infant is control of body temperature. The nurse caring for a newborn warms all equipment that comes in direct contact with the newborn to help prevent which type of heat loss?

• A. Convection
• B. Evaporation
• C. Conduction
• D. Radiation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Conduction (choice C). Conduction heat loss occurs when the newborn’s skin comes into direct contact with a cooler surface, so warming equipment helps prevent this. Choice A, Convection, is the transfer of heat through air or water currents, not direct contact. Choice B, Evaporation, is the loss of heat through moisture on the skin evaporating, not direct contact. Choice D, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of waves or particles, not direct contact.

4. A hospitalized child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is receiving high doses of prednisone. What nursing goal is appropriate for this child?

• A. Stimulate appetite
• B. Detect evidence of edema
• C. Minimize risk of infection
• D. Promote adherence to the antibiotic regimen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prednisone, an immunosuppressant, increases the child's susceptibility to infections, making infection prevention a critical nursing goal. Detecting edema and stimulating appetite are important but secondary to preventing potentially life-threatening infections.

5. During examination of a toddler's extremities, the nurse notes that the child is bowlegged. The nurse should recognize that this finding is which?

• A. Abnormal and requires further investigation
• B. Abnormal unless it occurs in conjunction with knock-knee
• C. Normal if the condition is unilateral or asymmetric
• D. Normal because the lower back and leg muscles are not yet well developed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bowleggedness is normal in toddlers due to the development of lower back and leg muscles. It usually resolves as the child grows.

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