Nursing Elites

1. 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.'

2. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

3. What statement is an advantage of peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis?

• A. Protein loss is less extensive.
• B. Dietary limitations are not necessary.
• C. It is easy to learn and safe to perform.
• D. It is needed less frequently than hemodialysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peritoneal dialysis is generally easier to learn and can be safely performed at home. Although dietary limitations still apply, this method offers greater flexibility in treatment scheduling compared to hemodialysis, which often requires multiple weekly visits to a dialysis center.

4. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed.
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss.
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment.
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neonates have a large surface area relative to their weight, which makes them prone to heat loss to the environment, leading to thermoregulation issues. The underdeveloped kidney affecting urine concentration (Choice A) is unrelated to the thermal regulation process. While a flexed posture can help retain heat (Choice B), it does not outweigh the impact of the large body surface area in neonates. Although subcutaneous fat (Choice D) provides insulation, in neonates, the large body surface area is more significant in contributing to heat loss than the fat's insulating properties.

5. 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.

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