An infant with a diagnosis of hydrocephalus is scheduled for surgery. Which is the priority nursing intervention in the preoperative period?
Test the urine for protein
Reposition the infant frequently.
Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes
Provide a stimulating environment
The Correct Answer is B
A. Test the urine for protein.
Explanation: Testing urine for protein is not a priority nursing intervention in the preoperative period for an infant with hydrocephalus. The focus is on preventing complications related to immobility and positioning.
B. Reposition the infant frequently.
Explanation:
Repositioning the infant frequently is a crucial intervention to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers (bedsores). Infants with hydrocephalus may be at an increased risk of skin breakdown due to prolonged immobility and pressure on specific areas. Repositioning helps distribute pressure, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of skin breakdown.
C. Assess blood pressure every 15 minutes.
Explanation: While monitoring blood pressure is important in certain situations, it is not typically the priority for an infant with hydrocephalus in the preoperative period. The focus is on preventing skin breakdown through repositioning.
D. Provide a stimulating environment.
Explanation: While providing a stimulating environment can be beneficial for infant development, it is not the priority in the preoperative period for an infant with hydrocephalus. The primary concern is addressing potential complications related to immobility, such as skin breakdown.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["90"]
Explanation
The nurse should withhold the dose if the infant's apical heart rate is less than 90 beats per minute.
Digoxin is a medication that can slow the heart rate. If an infant's heart rate is already too slow, administering digoxin can increase the risk of bradycardia, a serious heart rhythm disturbance.
It's important to monitor the apical heart rate for a full minute before administering digoxin to an infant and to withhold the dose if the heart rate is below the specified threshold.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "The immunization schedule will need to be altered."
Incorrect: This is too vague and does not provide specific information about the child's immunization schedule.
B. "The child will receive all of the immunizations except for the polio series."
Incorrect: There is no indication that the child should not receive the polio vaccine. Children with cystic fibrosis are generally recommended to receive all appropriate vaccinations.
C. "The child will receive the recommended basic series of immunizations along with a yearly influenza vaccination."
Correct Answer: Children with cystic fibrosis should receive the recommended basic series of immunizations, including vaccines for diseases such as diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, and others. Additionally, they should receive a yearly influenza vaccination to help prevent respiratory complications.
D. "The child should not receive any hepatitis vaccines."
Incorrect: There is no general contraindication for children with cystic fibrosis to receive hepatitis vaccines. The nurse should recommend the appropriate vaccines, including those for hepatitis B, as per the standard immunization schedule.
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