Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a 'machine-like' murmur in children?

• A. Patent ductus arteriosus
• B. Ventricular septal defect
• C. Atrial septal defect
• D. Coarctation of the aorta

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Patent ductus arteriosus. This condition is characterized by a continuous 'machine-like' murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Ventricular septal defect (choice B) is characterized by a harsh holosystolic murmur, atrial septal defect (choice C) typically presents with a fixed split S2 and a pulmonary flow murmur, and coarctation of the aorta (choice D) is associated with a systolic murmur in the back and bilateral lower extremities.

2. What is the most frequent cause of hypovolemic shock in children?

• A. Sepsis
• B. Blood loss
• C. Anaphylaxis
• D. Heart failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypovolemic shock in children is most frequently caused by blood loss, which can result from trauma, surgery, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Sepsis and anaphylaxis can lead to different types of shock (septic and anaphylactic), and heart failure is related to cardiogenic shock.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is assessing a child's capillary refill time. This can be accomplished by doing what?

• A. Inspect the chest
• B. Auscultate the heart
• C. Palpate the apical pulse
• D. Palpate the nail bed with pressure to produce a slight blanching

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Capillary refill time is assessed by applying pressure to the nail bed and observing how quickly the color returns, indicating peripheral circulation status.

5. The caregiver asks why the 6-month-old infant needs to have solid foods when breast milk is such a good source of nutrition. What would be the best response by the nurse?

• A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately.
• B. The extrusion reflex must be developed and feeding solid foods will help the infant to develop this reflex.
• C. Breastfeeding will become painful when the infant gets more teeth, so the infant needs to eat solid foods.
• D. By this age the infant becomes interested in trying new skills.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Solid foods, especially iron-fortified cereals, are introduced to meet the infant's increased nutritional needs, including iron, which breast milk alone may not provide adequately. Choice B is incorrect because the extrusion reflex is related to the tongue-thrust reflex, not the nutritional needs of the infant. Choice C is incorrect as breastfeeding does not become painful when the infant gets more teeth, and it is not a reason for introducing solid foods. Choice D is incorrect as the infant's interest in trying new skills is not a primary reason for introducing solid foods at this age.

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