A child with a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis is scheduled for surgery. What preoperative intervention is important for the nurse to perform?
- A. Administering intravenous fluids
- B. Monitoring for signs of infection
- C. Monitoring for signs of dehydration
- D. Monitoring for signs of pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct preoperative intervention for a child with pyloric stenosis is to monitor for signs of dehydration. Pyloric stenosis involves the obstruction of the pyloric sphincter, leading to projectile vomiting, which can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is crucial to assess the child's fluid status and prevent complications. Administering intravenous fluids, although important in managing dehydration, is not typically a preoperative intervention but rather a treatment during or after surgery. Monitoring for signs of infection and pain may also be important but are not the priority preoperative interventions in a child with pyloric stenosis.
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A child with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis is admitted to the hospital. What is the priority nursing intervention?
- A. Administering pancreatic enzymes
- B. Providing respiratory therapy
- C. Providing nutritional support
- D. Encouraging physical activity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is administering pancreatic enzymes. In cystic fibrosis, the pancreas is often affected, leading to insufficient production of digestive enzymes. Administering pancreatic enzymes is crucial to ensure proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. While respiratory therapy, nutritional support, and physical activity are essential components of care for individuals with cystic fibrosis, addressing the digestive aspect by administering pancreatic enzymes takes priority to prevent malnutrition and promote overall health.
Following corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS), an infant is returned to the pediatric unit with an IV infusion in place. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Apply adequate restraints.
- B. Administer a mild sedative.
- C. Assess the IV site for infiltration.
- D. Attach the nasogastric tube to wall suction.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority nursing action after a corrective surgery for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is to assess the IV site for infiltration. This is crucial to ensure proper fluid administration and prevent complications such as extravasation or infiltration. Applying restraints (Choice A) is not indicated in this scenario and can compromise the infant's comfort and safety. Administering a mild sedative (Choice B) is not necessary and should only be done based on specific clinical indications. Attaching the nasogastric tube to wall suction (Choice D) may be important for certain conditions but is not the priority immediately post-surgery; assessing the IV site is more urgent to prevent potential complications related to IV therapy.
After a discussion with the health care provider, the parents of an infant with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ask the nurse to explain once again what PDA is. How should the nurse respond?
- A. The diameter of the aorta is enlarged.
- B. The wall between the right and left ventricles is open.
- C. It is a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
- D. It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'It is a connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta.' Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is an abnormal connection between the pulmonary artery and the aorta, which normally closes after birth. Choices A, B, and C describe different cardiac conditions and do not accurately define PDA. Choice A is incorrect because PDA does not involve the diameter of the aorta being enlarged. Choice B is incorrect because PDA does not involve the wall between the right and left ventricles being open. Choice C is incorrect because PDA is not a narrowing of the entrance to the pulmonary artery.
The healthcare professional is assessing a 4-year-old client. Which finding suggests to the healthcare professional this child may have a genetic disorder?
- A. Inquiry reveals the child had feeding problems.
- B. The child weighs 40 lb (18.2 kg) and is 40 in (101.6 cm) in height.
- C. The child has low-set ears with lobe creases.
- D. The child can hop on one foot but cannot skip.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Low-set ears with lobe creases are often associated with genetic disorders and can indicate underlying chromosomal abnormalities. This physical characteristic is known to be a common sign in various syndromes like Down syndrome. Choices A, B, and D are not directly linked to genetic disorders. Feeding problems and specific weight/height measurements are more general indicators of growth and development, while the ability to hop on one foot but not skip is a developmental milestone assessment that does not specifically point towards a genetic disorder.
A 1-week-old infant has been in the pediatric unit for 18 hours following placement of a spica cast. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of fewer than 24 breaths/min. No other changes are noted. Because the infant is apparently well, the nurse does not report or document the slow respiratory rate. Several hours later, the infant experiences severe respiratory distress and emergency care is necessary. What should be considered if legal action is taken?
- A. Most infants have slow respirations when they are uncomfortable.
- B. The respirations of young infants are irregular, so a drop in rate is unimportant.
- C. Vital signs that are outside the expected parameters are significant and should be documented.
- D. The respiratory tract of young infants is underdeveloped, and their respiratory rate is not significant.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C. Any vital signs outside the expected range in an infant should be documented and reported, as they may indicate a developing condition that requires prompt attention. Choice A is incorrect because slow respirations in infants should not be dismissed without assessment and documentation. Choice B is incorrect because a drop in respiratory rate in this case was significant and should have been documented. Choice D is incorrect because even though infants have underdeveloped respiratory tracts, any abnormal respiratory rate should be taken seriously and documented for monitoring and intervention if necessary.