Nursing Elites

1. What is the appropriate placement of a tongue blade for assessment of the mouth and throat?

• A. On the lower jaw
• B. Side of the tongue
• C. Against the soft palate
• D. Center back area of the tongue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The side of the tongue is the appropriate place for a tongue blade to avoid triggering the gag reflex during assessment of the mouth and throat.

2. A new parent, when asked by a nurse, explains that the 4-month-old infant has been nursing regularly every 3 to 4 hours and seems satisfied. However, the parent recently introduced solid food in the form of unbuttered popcorn to the infant as a supplement. What should be the primary nursing concern in this situation?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition, more than body requirements, related to introduction of a high-calorie food
• B. Risk for aspiration related to feeding the infant an inappropriate food
• C. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements, related to introduction of a low-nutritive food
• D. Readiness for enhanced nutrition, related to the age of the infant

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary nursing concern in this situation is the risk for aspiration. Popcorn is a choking hazard for infants, as their airway is not fully developed to handle solid foods like popcorn. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the main focus should be on the immediate risk of aspiration due to the inappropriate solid food given to the infant, rather than on nutritional imbalances or readiness for enhanced nutrition.

3. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching regarding care of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) that is in remission after the administration of prednisone. The nurse realizes further teaching is required if the parents state what?

• A. We will keep our child away from anyone who is ill.
• B. We will be sure to administer the prednisone as ordered.
• C. We will encourage our child to eat a balanced diet, but we will watch his salt intake.
• D. We understand our child will not be able to attend school, so we will arrange for homeschooling.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Children with MCNS who are in remission can usually attend school and participate in normal activities with precautions to avoid infections. Home schooling may not be necessary, and this indicates a misunderstanding of the condition's management.

4. What is the therapeutic intervention that provides the best chance of survival for a child with cirrhosis?

• A. Nutritional support
• B. Liver transplantation
• C. Blood component therapy
• D. Treatment with corticosteroids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Liver transplantation offers the best chance of survival for children with cirrhosis, especially in advanced stages where the liver can no longer function effectively. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. While nutritional support, blood component therapy, and corticosteroids may be part of the treatment plan to manage symptoms and complications, they do not address the underlying cause of cirrhosis or provide a cure like liver transplantation does.

5. 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.

Similar Questions