The healthcare provider is planning care for a 3-month-old infant immediately postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus. The healthcare provider needs to
- A. Assess for abdominal distention
- B. Maintain the infant in an upright position
- C. Begin feeding formula when the infant is alert
- D. Pump the shunt to assess for proper function
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assessing for abdominal distention is crucial in this situation as it can indicate a complication with the shunt or fluid accumulation. Abdominal distention may suggest an issue with the shunt placement, such as obstruction or overdrainage, which requires immediate intervention. Maintaining the infant in an upright position (Choice B) is not the priority immediately postoperatively following a ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Beginning formula feedings when the infant is alert (Choice C) may be appropriate but is not the priority over assessing for abdominal distention. Pumping the shunt to assess for proper function (Choice D) is not a recommended nursing intervention postoperatively and should be done by a qualified healthcare provider.
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A client is receiving a blood transfusion. The client reports flank pain, and the nurse notes reddish-brown urine in the client's urinary catheter bag. The nurse recognizes these manifestations as which of the following types of transfusion reactions?
- A. Hemolytic
- B. Allergic
- C. Febrile
- D. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemolytic. Hemolytic reactions can lead to flank pain and hemoglobinuria, as the body breaks down the transfused red blood cells. In hemolytic reactions, the immune system attacks and destroys the transfused red blood cells, causing the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream and urine. This results in reddish-brown urine, indicating hemoglobinuria. Allergic reactions typically present with symptoms like itching, hives, or rash. Febrile reactions are characterized by fever, chills, and rigors. TRALI is a rare but serious transfusion reaction that manifests as acute respiratory distress following a transfusion, not flank pain and hemoglobinuria.
During a physical assessment on a toddler, what should be the first action?
- A. Perform traumatic procedures
- B. Use minimal physical contact
- C. Proceed from head to toe
- D. Explain the exam in detail
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimal physical contact. This approach helps the toddler become comfortable and reduces anxiety during the assessment. Traumatic procedures (Choice A) should never be the first action as they can cause distress. Proceeding from head to toe (Choice C) is a common sequence in physical assessments but does not address the initial need to establish trust and comfort. Explaining the exam in detail (Choice D) is important but should come after establishing a rapport through minimal physical contact.
The charge nurse on the unit observes that one of the staff nurses is not using proper hand washing techniques. Which is the most appropriate initial approach to correct the behavior?
- A. Remind the nurse that proper hand washing prevents infection
- B. Discuss what the nurse knows about proper hand hygiene
- C. Provide a review of the hand washing policy
- D. Refer the nurse to the infection control nurse
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate initial approach to correct the behavior of improper hand washing by a staff nurse is to discuss what the nurse knows about proper hand hygiene. This approach helps in identifying any knowledge gaps the nurse may have and provides an opportunity to educate and correct the behavior. Option A is not the best choice as simply reminding the nurse about the importance of hand washing may not address the underlying issue of knowledge or technique. Option C, providing a review of the hand washing policy, may be necessary but is not the most immediate step to take. Option D, referring the nurse to the infection control nurse, is premature and may not be necessary if the issue can be resolved through education and communication first.
A nurse prepares to admit a client who is immediately postoperative to the unit following abdominal surgery. When transferring the client from the gurney to the bed, what should the nurse do?
- A. Lock the wheels on the bed and gurney
- B. Adjust the bed height
- C. Use a slide sheet
- D. Ask for assistance from another nurse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when transferring a postoperative client from the gurney to the bed is to lock the wheels on both the bed and the gurney. Locking the wheels ensures stability and prevents accidents during the transfer. Adjusting the bed height may be necessary for comfort but is not the primary concern during the transfer process. Using a slide sheet may be helpful in repositioning the client once on the bed but is not essential for the initial transfer. Asking for assistance from another nurse is always a good practice, but the immediate action to ensure safety during the transfer is to lock the wheels.
A nurse is caring for a client who has tuberculosis. Which of the following precautions should the nurse plan to implement when working with the client?
- A. Airborne
- B. Droplet
- C. Protective
- D. Contact
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that requires airborne precautions to prevent the transmission of infectious droplets. Airborne precautions involve wearing a mask, such as an N95 respirator, to protect against inhaling infectious particles. Droplet precautions are for diseases spread through respiratory droplets larger than those in airborne transmission, such as influenza. Protective precautions are not specific to respiratory infections and are more general measures to protect patients from harm. Contact precautions are used for diseases spread by direct or indirect contact, such as MRSA or C. diff infections, not for tuberculosis.