Nursing Elites

1. The nurse notes that a child has lost 3.6 kg (8 lb) after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. What is the most likely cause of this weight loss?

• A. Poor appetite
• B. Reduction of edema
• C. Restriction to bed rest
• D. Increased potassium intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The weight loss is most likely due to the reduction of edema, as glomerulonephritis often causes fluid retention that resolves with treatment, leading to significant weight loss.

2. 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.

3. Which condition is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough in children?

• A. Croup
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

4. What is the most effective method to prevent infection in the newborn?

• A. Using disposable items
• B. Practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family
• C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
• D. Isolating the newborn from others

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective method to prevent infection in newborns is by practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family. This is crucial as it helps reduce the transmission of infectious agents, protecting vulnerable newborns. Using disposable items may help, but proper hand hygiene is more effective. Administering prophylactic antibiotics without a specific indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended. Isolating the newborn from others is not practical and may not be necessary if proper hand hygiene is maintained.

5. An infant is diagnosed with a tracheoesophageal fistula. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect?

• A. Jaundice
• B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• C. Absence of sucking, vomiting
• D. Coughing, with excessive secretion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Coughing with excessive secretion is a common sign of tracheoesophageal fistula. In this condition, the connection between the trachea and esophagus allows saliva and food to enter the airways, leading to coughing and excessive secretions. Choice A, jaundice, is not typically associated with tracheoesophageal fistula. Hyperactive bowel sounds (Choice B) are more likely seen in conditions like gastroenteritis. Absence of sucking and vomiting (Choice C) is not a typical finding related to tracheoesophageal fistula.

Similar Questions