Nokea
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.
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What explanation should the nurse give a parent about the purpose of a tetanus toxoid injection for their child?
- A. Passive immunity is conferred temporarily.
- B. Long-lasting active immunity is conferred.
- C. Lifelong active natural immunity is conferred.
- D. Passive natural immunity is conferred temporarily.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Long-lasting active immunity is conferred. Tetanus toxoid injection works by stimulating the child's body to produce its antibodies, providing long-lasting active immunity. Choice A is incorrect because passive immunity is not conferred for life; it is temporary and involves receiving antibodies rather than producing them internally. Choice C is incorrect as the immunity conferred by the tetanus toxoid injection is not lifelong natural immunity but rather active immunity stimulated by the body's immune response. Choice D is also incorrect since passive natural immunity is not conferred by the tetanus toxoid injection, and it is not temporary.
An 8-year-old child with the diagnosis of meningitis is to have a lumbar puncture. What should the nurse explain is the purpose of this procedure?
- A. To measure the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid
- B. To obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis
- C. To relieve intracranial pressure
- D. To assess the presence of infection in the spinal fluid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of a lumbar puncture is to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid for analysis. This sample helps in diagnosing conditions such as meningitis by evaluating the presence of pathogens or abnormalities in the cerebrospinal fluid. Measuring the pressure of cerebrospinal fluid (Choice A) is not the main objective of a lumbar puncture, although it can be done during the procedure. Relieving intracranial pressure (Choice C) is not the direct purpose of a lumbar puncture, as other interventions are typically used for this purpose. Assessing the presence of infection in the spinal fluid (Choice D) is related to the overall goal of obtaining a sample for analysis, making it a secondary outcome of the procedure.
A nurse is caring for an infant with intractable vomiting. For what complication is it most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. Acidosis
- B. Alkalosis
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When an infant experiences intractable vomiting, it can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. Alkalosis is characterized by elevated blood pH and can lead to serious complications. Assessing for alkalosis is essential in this scenario to monitor and manage the infant's condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because in this context, the primary concern is the metabolic imbalance caused by excessive vomiting, leading to alkalosis rather than acidosis, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia.
The parents of a 2-year-old child tell the nurse that they are having difficulty disciplining their child. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. "This is a difficult age that your child is going through right now."
- B. "Tell me more about your difficulty. I'm not sure what you mean by this."
- C. "It's important to be consistent with toddlers when they need disciplining."
- D. "I can understand what you mean. That's why this age is called the terrible twos."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse is to emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline when dealing with toddlers. Toddlers are at an age where they are learning boundaries and acceptable behaviors. By being consistent, parents can help their child understand what is expected of them and establish a sense of structure and routine. Choices A, B, and D do not provide constructive advice or guidance on how to address the issue of disciplining a 2-year-old. Choice A merely acknowledges the age without providing guidance, choice B seeks more information without offering support, and choice D labels the age without offering practical advice on discipline.
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.