A clinical nurse specialist is asked to present a clinical conference to the student group about brain tumors in children younger than 3 years. The nurse should include which information in the presentation?
- A. Radiation is the treatment of choice.
- B. The most significant symptoms are headache and vomiting.
- C. Head shaving is not required before removal of the brain tumor.
- D. Surgery is not normally performed because of the increased risk of functional deficits.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The classic symptoms of children with brain tumors are headaches and vomiting. The treatment of choice is total surgical removal of the tumor. Before surgery, the child's head will be shaved, although every effort is made to shave only as much hair as is necessary. Radiation therapy is avoided in children younger than 3 years because of the toxic side effects on the developing brain, particularly in very young children.
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A client seeks medical attention for intermittent signs and symptoms that suggest a diagnosis of Raynaud's disease. The nurse should assess the trigger of these signs/symptoms by asking which question?
- A. Does being exposed to heat seem to cause the episodes?
- B. Do the signs and symptoms occur while you are asleep?
- C. Does drinking coffee or ingesting chocolate seem related to the episodes?
- D. Have you experienced any injuries that have limited your activity levels lately?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Raynaud's disease is vasospasm of the arterioles and arteries of the upper and lower extremities. It produces closure of the small arteries in the distal extremities in response to cold, vibration, or external stimuli. Episodes are characterized by pallor, cold, numbness, and possible cyanosis of the fingers, followed by erythema, tingling, and aching pain. Attacks are triggered by exposure to cold, nicotine, caffeine, trauma to the fingertips, and stress. Prolonged episodes of inactivity are unrelated to these episodes.
The nurse has developed a plan of care for a client with a diagnosis of anterior cord syndrome. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to minimize the client's long-term risk for injury?
- A. Change the client's positions slowly.
- B. Assess the client for decreased sensation to touch.
- C. Assess the client for decreased sensation to vibration.
- D. Teach the client about loss of motor function and decreased pain sensation.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Anterior cord syndrome is caused by damage to the anterior portion of the gray and white matter. Clinical findings related to anterior cord syndrome include loss of motor function, temperature sensation, and pain sensation below the level of injury. The syndrome does not affect sensations of fine touch, position, and vibration.
Which piece of equipment will the nurse routinely use to assess the fetal heart rate of a woman at 16 weeks' gestation?
- A. Fetal heart monitor
- B. An adult stethoscope
- C. Bell of a stethoscope
- D. Ultrasound fetoscope
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Toward the end of the first trimester, the fetal heart tones can be heard with an ultrasound fetoscope. Options 2 and 3 are not designed to adequately assess the fetal heart rate. A fetal heart monitor is used during labor or in other situations when the fetal heart rate needs continuous monitoring.
The nurse has admitted a client diagnosed with gestational hypertension who is in labor. The nurse monitors the client closely for which complication of gestational hypertension?
- A. Seizures
- B. Hallucinations
- C. Placenta previa
- D. Altered respiratory status
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Gestational hypertension can lead to preeclampsia and eclampsia; therefore, a major complication of gestational hypertension is seizures. Hallucinations, placenta previa, and altered respiratory status are not directly associated with gestational hypertension.
The nurse is caring for a child recovering from a tonsillectomy. Which fluid or food item should be offered to the child?
- A. Green Jell-O
- B. Cold soda pop
- C. Butterscotch pudding
- D. Cool cherry-flavored Kool-Aid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: After tonsillectomy, clear, cool liquids should be administered. Citrus, carbonated, and extremely hot or cold liquids need to be avoided because they may irritate the throat. Milk and milk products (pudding) are avoided because they coat the throat and cause the child to clear the throat, thus increasing the risk of bleeding. Red liquids need to be avoided because they give the appearance of blood if the child vomits.