A nurse is providing teaching to the parents of a child who has had a shunt inserted as treatment for hydrocephalus.
The parents demonstrate understanding of the teaching when they make what statement?
"Having the shunt put in decreases his risk for developmental problems.”.
"If he doesn't get an infection in the first week, the risk is greatly reduced.”.
"He will need more surgeries to replace the shunt as he grows.”.
"The shunt will help to prevent any further complications from his disease.”. —
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
While a shunt insertion for hydrocephalus aims to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure, thereby minimizing brain damage, it does not completely eliminate the risk of developmental problems. The extent of pre-existing neurological damage influences long-term outcomes, and some children may still experience learning disabilities or motor deficits requiring ongoing therapy and support.
Choice B rationale
The risk of shunt infection is present throughout the device's life, although the greatest risk does occur in the early post-operative period, typically within the first few months. Infections can be caused by skin flora introduced during surgery and can lead to serious complications like ventriculitis or septicemia, often requiring shunt removal and IV antibiotics.
Choice C rationale
Shunts have a fixed length; as the child grows, the distal catheter (the end draining the fluid) may no longer reach the peritoneal cavity or atrium, leading to shunt malfunction. Furthermore, components can fail over time due to wear or blockage, necessitating surgical revisions or replacement throughout the individual's lifetime to maintain proper cerebrospinal fluid drainage.
Choice D rationale
A ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunt is a palliative measure that manages the primary complication of hydrocephalus, which is increased intracranial pressure. However, shunts are prone to complications such as malfunction due to blockage, disconnection, or infection, and they do not cure the underlying cause, meaning that further complications remain a possibility.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Initiating breastfeeding is an important intervention for nutritional support and promoting maternal-infant bonding, as well as stimulating uterine contraction and involution, but it is not the absolute highest priority immediately after birth. Establishing and maintaining a clear airway and stable thermoregulation takes precedence over feeding to prevent complications such as respiratory distress and cold stress.
Choice B rationale
Performing the initial bath can wait until the newborn's temperature is stabilized, usually several hours after birth, to prevent cold stress, which is a significant risk for the newly delivered infant. Thermoregulation is a high priority, and delaying the bath helps maintain the core body temperature and reduces oxygen consumption and glucose use.
Choice C rationale
Administering the vitamin K injection is important to prevent hemorrhagic disease of the newborn due to transient prothrombin deficiency, as newborn gut flora is not yet established, but it is not a life-saving, immediate priority over essential physiological stabilization. This intervention can be safely delayed until after the newborn is stabilized and has been assessed.
Choice D rationale
Initiating skin-to-skin contact with the mother immediately after birth is the highest priority intervention because it effectively helps stabilize the newborn's heart rate, respiratory rate, and most critically, regulates the body temperature through maternal heat transfer, which prevents life-threatening cold stress and promotes cardiopulmonary adaptation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, is a neurotoxin that is typically injected directly into specific spastic muscles to temporarily block the release of acetylcholine, thereby reducing muscle overactivity and spasticity. It is not an implanted device but an injection, and its effects are localized and temporary.
Choice B rationale
A central venous catheter (CVC) is a line placed into a large vein, typically used for administering medications, fluids, or nutrition, or for drawing blood, especially for long-term or irritating infusions. It has no role in the direct management or control of spasticity associated with cerebral palsy.
Choice C rationale
A baclofen pump is a surgically implanted device that delivers the antispasmodic medication baclofen directly into the intrathecal space surrounding the spinal cord. This localized delivery provides superior spasticity control with lower doses and fewer systemic side effects compared to oral baclofen, and it is a common treatment for severe spasticity.
Choice D rationale
A vagal nerve stimulator (VNS) is an implanted device used primarily as an adjunctive therapy to control partial-onset seizures or treat certain forms of depression. It works by sending electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve in the neck. It is not indicated for the management of spasticity in cerebral palsy.
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