Nursing Elites

1. During an otoscopic examination on an infant, in which direction is the pinna pulled?

• A. Up and back
• B. Up and forward
• C. Down and back
• D. Down and forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For infants, the pinna is pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal and allow proper visualization of the tympanic membrane during otoscopic examination.

2. Superficial palpation of the abdomen is often perceived by the child as tickling. Which measure by the nurse is most likely to minimize this sensation and promote relaxation?

• A. Palpate another area simultaneously
• B. Ask the child not to laugh or move
• C. Begin with deeper palpation and gradually progress to superficial palpation
• D. Have the child help with palpation by placing his or her hand over the palpating hand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the child to place their hand over the nurse's hand helps reduce the tickling sensation and increases the child's comfort during the examination.

3. Which condition is most commonly associated with a 'sunset sign' in infants?

• A. Hydrocephalus
• B. Meningitis
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Encephalitis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The 'sunset sign,' characterized by downward-driven eyes, is most commonly associated with hydrocephalus. This condition causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to the eyes appearing to be forced downward. Meningitis (choice B) typically presents with symptoms such as fever, headache, and a stiff neck, but not the 'sunset sign.' Cerebral palsy (choice C) is a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination, not directly related to the 'sunset sign.' Encephalitis (choice D) is inflammation of the brain, which can cause symptoms like fever, headache, and confusion, but not the specific downward eye gaze seen in the 'sunset sign.'

4. 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.

5. A preschool-age boy presents to the outpatient clinic for a sore throat. In the child’s mind, which is the most likely cause for the sore throat?

• A. Being exposed to a classmate with strep throat
• B. Not eating the right foods
• C. Not taking daily vitamins
• D. Yelling at sibling for being annoying

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Preschool-age children often attribute illness to their actions, like yelling at a sibling or not following instructions. They may not understand medical causes such as exposure to infections like strep throat (choice A), dietary factors (choice B), or vitamin deficiencies (choice C). It is common for young children to connect symptoms to recent behaviors or events within their limited understanding.

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