An infant who is developmentally delayed has a ventricular peritoneal (VP) shunt for hydrocephalus. The nurse makes a postoperative home visit to assess the child's progress. During the visit, the mother tells the nurse, "When the shunt is removed, the pressure in my baby's head will be gone." Which response should the nurse provide?
"Many infants outgrow the need for a shunt after the neonatal period."
"The shunt will be replaced as your child grows to reduce pressure in the brain."
"Other pathways in the brain will drain fluid after the shunt is removed."
"The shunt will have to be reinserted only if an infection or blockage develops."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: "Many infants outgrow the need for a shunt after the neonatal period." is not a correct response that the nurse should provide. This statement is false, as most infants with hydrocephalus will need a shunt for life. Only a small percentage of infants with post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus may outgrow the need for a shunt .
Choice B reason: "The shunt will be replaced as your child grows to reduce pressure in the brain." is the correct response that the nurse should provide. This statement is true, as the shunt will need to be adjusted or replaced as the child grows to accommodate the changes in the size and shape of the head and the amount of fluid drainage. The nurse should educate the mother about the signs and symptoms of shunt malfunction and the need for regular follow-up visits.
Choice C reason: "Other pathways in the brain will drain fluid after the shunt is removed." is not a correct response that the nurse should provide. This statement is false, as the shunt is not removed unless there is a serious complication or the child no longer needs it. The shunt is a permanent device that bypasses the blocked or impaired pathways in the brain and allows the fluid to drain into the abdomen. Without the shunt, the fluid will accumulate in the brain and cause increased pressure and damage.
Choice D reason: "The shunt will have to be reinserted only if an infection or blockage develops." is not a correct response that the nurse should provide. This statement is false, as the shunt is not removed and reinserted unless there is a serious complication or the child no longer needs it. The shunt is a permanent device that stays in place unless it malfunctions or becomes infected. The nurse should educate the mother about the signs and symptoms of shunt infection and the need for prompt treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Having the child blow a cotton ball and have the parent catch it is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might distract the child from the assessment and make it difficult for the nurse to listen to the lung sounds.
Choice B reason: Allowing the child to use a stethoscope on a stuffed animal is a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity helps the child to understand the purpose of the stethoscope and reduces the fear of the unfamiliar device. It also allows the nurse to observe the child's breathing pattern and chest movement.
Choice C reason: Offering the child bubbles before the stethoscope is placed is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might alter the child's breathing pattern and interfere with the accuracy of the assessment.
Choice D reason: Placing a toy in the child's hands while listening to the breath sounds is not a good strategy to ensure the child's cooperation. This activity might distract the child from the assessment and make it difficult for the nurse to listen to the lung sounds.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Instilling benzocaine otic drops regularly is not a recommended practice for preventing or treating otitis media. Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic that can temporarily relieve ear pain, but it does not address the underlying cause of the infection. Moreover, benzocaine can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or methemoglobinemia, a condition that reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The nurse should instruct the caregiver to avoid using benzocaine otic drops unless prescribed by a health care provider.
Choice B reason: Avoiding any smoking inside the house is a good practice for preventing otitis media. Smoking can irritate the respiratory tract and impair the function of the cilia, the hair-like structures that help clear mucus and bacteria from the middle ear. Smoking can also increase the risk of respiratory infections, allergies, and asthma, which are associated with otitis media. The nurse should praise the caregiver for avoiding smoking and encourage them to maintain a smoke-free environment for the infant.
Choice C reason: Giving the infant the full course of antibiotics is a necessary practice for treating otitis media. Antibiotics can help eliminate the bacteria that cause the infection and reduce the inflammation and pain in the middle ear. However, antibiotics should be used only when prescribed by a health care provider, and the caregiver should follow the instructions carefully. The nurse should remind the caregiver to give the infant the exact dose of antibiotics at the right time and for the entire duration of the treatment, even if the symptoms improve.
Choice D reason: Scheduling a visit for pneumococcal vaccine is a preventive measure for otitis media. Pneumococcal vaccine can protect the infant from the most common strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes otitis media and other serious infections. The vaccine is recommended for all children under 2 years of age, and it is given in four doses at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months of age. The nurse should verify the infant's immunization status and advise the caregiver to follow the recommended schedule for the pneumococcal vaccine.
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