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 preparing to feed a 10-month-old child diagnosed with failure to thrive (FTT). Which actions should the nurse plan to implement?

• A. Be persistent.
• B. Introduce new foods slowly.
• C. All are correct
• D. Maintain a calm, even temperament.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Persistence in feeding, introducing new foods slowly, and maintaining a calm temperament are key strategies in managing FTT. A stimulating atmosphere may overwhelm the child and should be minimized during feeding times.

3. The nurse is preparing to administer a prescribed, as-needed antiemetic drug for a child diagnosed with cancer. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Administering the drug only if the child is nauseated.
• B. Administering the drug prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy.
• C. Administering the drug after the next dose of chemotherapy.
• D. Administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering the antiemetic prophylactically before the next dose of chemotherapy is the most appropriate action. This approach helps prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Waiting until the child is already nauseated, as stated in option A, is less effective as it is reactive rather than proactive. Administering the drug after chemotherapy, as in option C, may not be as beneficial in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Option D, administering the drug only if the child is experiencing diarrhea, is not relevant to the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea.

4. What is the most common piece of medical equipment that can transmit harmful microorganisms among patients?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Stethoscope
• C. Injection needle
• D. Disposable gloves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stethoscope. A stethoscope is commonly used between patients, and if not correctly disinfected, it can be a dangerous source of spreading microorganisms. Thermometers typically have barriers to prevent this type of transmission. Injection needles are discarded immediately after use and not reused, making them an unlikely source of transmission. Similarly, disposable gloves are not reused, so they are also not a common source of harmful microorganism transmission.

5. What statement best describes Hirschsprung disease?

• A. The colon has an aganglionic segment.
• B. It results in frequent evacuation of solids, liquid, and gas.
• C. The neonate passes excessive amounts of meconium.
• D. It results in excessive peristaltic movements within the gastrointestinal tract.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in a segment of the colon, leading to a lack of peristalsis and obstruction. The other options do not accurately describe this condition.

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