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 performing an assessment on a 12-month-old infant. Which fine or gross motor developmental skill demonstrates the proximodistal acquisition of skills?

• A. Standing
• B. Sitting without assistance
• C. Fully developed pincer grasp
• D. Taking a few steps holding onto something

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The development of a pincer grasp reflects fine motor skills, which develop in a proximodistal pattern (from the center of the body outward).

3. The nurse is teaching a nursing student about standard precautions. Which statement made by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will use precautions when I give an infant oral care
• B. I will use precautions when I change an infant's diaper
• C. I will use precautions when I come in contact with blood and body fluids
• D. I will use precautions when administering oral medications to a school-age child

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Standard precautions are necessary when dealing with blood, body fluids, and potentially infectious materials. They are not required for routine administration of oral medications unless there is a potential exposure risk.

4. Following treatment for iron deficiency anemia, the physician orders lab tests. Which lab value would indicate an improvement in the child’s condition?

• A. Low hemoglobin
• B. Normal platelet count
• C. High reticulocyte count
• D. Low hematocrit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high reticulocyte count indicates that the bone marrow is producing more red blood cells, which is a sign of recovery from anemia as the body replenishes its iron stores and increases hemoglobin levels. Low hemoglobin (Choice A) would indicate ongoing anemia rather than improvement. A normal platelet count (Choice B) and low hematocrit (Choice D) are not specific indicators of improvement in iron deficiency anemia.

5. Clinical manifestations of sodium excess (hypernatremia) include which signs or symptoms?

• A. Hyperreflexia
• B. Abdominal cramps
• C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
• D. Dry, sticky mucous membranes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypernatremia often presents with dry, sticky mucous membranes due to dehydration. Hyperreflexia and abdominal cramps may also occur, but dry mucous membranes are more consistently observed in cases of sodium excess.

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