Nursing Elites

1. Kimberly is having a checkup before starting kindergarten. The nurse asks her to do the “finger-to-nose test.” What is the purpose of this test?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Cerebellar function
• C. Sensory discrimination
• D. Ability to follow directions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The finger-to-nose test assesses cerebellar function, which is responsible for balance and coordination. The test evaluates how well the cerebellum controls motor functions and coordination. Choice A, deep tendon reflexes, is incorrect because this test does not assess reflexes but rather cerebellar function. Choice C, sensory discrimination, is incorrect as this test focuses on motor function rather than sensory abilities. Choice D, ability to follow directions, is incorrect since the test primarily assesses motor coordination and not cognitive skills related to following instructions.

2. What major complication is associated with a child with chronic renal failure?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Water and sodium retention
• D. Excessive excretion of blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water and sodium retention is a major complication in chronic renal failure, leading to hypertension and edema. Hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis are less common, and while BUN levels rise, retention rather than excretion is problematic in chronic renal failure.

3. The nurse is planning care for a hospitalized preschool-aged child. Which should the nurse plan to ensure atraumatic care?

• A. Limit explanation of procedures because the child is preschool-aged
• B. Ask that all family members leave the room when performing procedures
• C. Allow the child to choose the type of juice to drink with the administration of oral medications
• D. Explain that EMLA cream cannot be used for the morning lab draw because there is not time for it to be effective

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to make choices, such as selecting the type of juice, helps to maintain a sense of control and reduce anxiety, ensuring atraumatic care.

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. The nurse needs to take the blood pressure of a small child. Of the cuffs available, one is too large and one is too small. The best nursing action is which?

• A. Use the small cuff
• B. Use the large cuff
• C. Use either cuff using the palpation method
• D. Wait to take the blood pressure until a proper cuff can be located

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is essential to use the correct cuff size for accurate blood pressure readings; if the proper size is not available, it's best to wait until it can be obtained.

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