The parents of a child who is scheduled for open-heart surgery ask why their child must be subjected to chest tubes after surgery. What should the nurse consider before responding in language the parents will understand?
- A. They will increase tidal volumes.
- B. Drainage of air and fluid will be facilitated.
- C. They will maintain positive intrapleural pressure.
- D. Pressure on the pericardium and chest wall will be regulated.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Chest tubes are necessary after open-heart surgery to facilitate the drainage of air and fluid from the chest cavity. These tubes help prevent complications such as pneumothorax (accumulation of air in the pleural space) or cardiac tamponade (build-up of fluid in the pericardial sac), which can be serious postoperative issues. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because chest tubes are primarily used for draining purposes and not for increasing tidal volumes, maintaining positive intrapleural pressure, or regulating pressure on the pericardium and chest wall.
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The nurse is counseling a young couple who, in 2 months, are having their third baby. The nurse uses Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families to analyze the family structure. Which best describes the main emphasis of this theory and its application to family dynamics?
- A. It emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components.
- B. It emphasizes the social system of the family, such as the organization or structure of the family and how the structure relates to the function.
- C. It emphasizes the developmental stages that all families go through, beginning with marriage; the longitudinal career of the family is also known as the family life cycle.
- D. It addresses the way families respond to stress and how the family copes with the stress as a group and how each individual member copes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Von Bertalanffy's general system theory applied to families emphasizes the family as a system with interdependent, interacting parts that endure over time to ensure the survival, continuity, and growth of its components. This perspective views the family as a dynamic entity where each member's actions and behaviors impact the overall functioning of the family unit. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses more on the social aspects of family structure rather than the systemic view provided by Von Bertalanffy's theory. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains more to the family life cycle theory, which is different from the general system theory. Choice D is incorrect as it addresses stress response within families, a concept not central to Von Bertalanffy's general system theory.
A 15-month-old child with the diagnosis of hydrocephalus is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan. What should the nurse include when preparing the toddler for the CT scan?
- A. Shaving the head
- B. Starting the prescribed IV infusion
- C. Administering the prescribed sedative
- D. Giving the child a simple explanation of the procedure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Preparing a toddler for a CT scan involves providing a simple explanation of the procedure to reduce anxiety and help the child understand what will happen. This approach helps establish trust and cooperation, making the experience less frightening for the child. Shaving the head, starting an IV infusion, or administering a sedative are not typically part of the preparation for a CT scan in a toddler and may not be necessary or appropriate in this scenario.
What should the nurse include in the preoperative teaching for a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy?
- A. Explain the procedure in simple terms
- B. Encourage fluid intake
- C. Allow the child to play with medical equipment
- D. Use play therapy to prepare the child
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: For a 4-year-old child scheduled for a myringotomy, explaining the procedure in simple terms is essential in helping the child understand what will happen during the surgery and reducing anxiety. Encouraging fluid intake, allowing the child to play with medical equipment, and using play therapy are not directly related to preparing the child for the myringotomy procedure. Therefore, these options are incorrect and not as beneficial as explaining the procedure in simple terms.
The nurse is providing care to a child with a long-leg hip spica cast. What is the priority nursing diagnosis?
- A. Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location.
- B. Deficient knowledge related to cast care.
- C. Risk for delayed development related to immobility.
- D. Self-care deficit related to immobility.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Risk for impaired skin integrity due to the cast and its location. When a child has a long-leg hip spica cast, the priority nursing diagnosis is to prevent impaired skin integrity. This is because the child's mobility is restricted, and pressure from the cast can lead to skin breakdown. Option B is incorrect as while education is essential, it is not the priority when skin integrity is at risk. Option C is incorrect because while immobility can impact development, immediate skin integrity concerns take precedence. Option D is incorrect as self-care deficit, while important, is secondary to preventing skin breakdown in this scenario.
An additional defect is associated with exstrophy of the bladder. For what anomaly should the nurse assess the infant?
- A. Imperforate anus
- B. Absence of one kidney
- C. Congenital heart disease
- D. Pubic bone malformation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Pubic bone malformation. Exstrophy of the bladder is commonly associated with pubic bone malformation as the condition involves a defect in the pelvic region. Imperforate anus, absence of one kidney, and congenital heart disease are not typically associated with exstrophy of the bladder, making them incorrect choices. Therefore, the nurse should primarily assess the infant for pubic bone malformation in this case.