neuro peds

The nurse is providing education to the parents of a 3-year-old girl with hydrocephalus who has just had an external ventricular drainage system placed. Which question is best to begin the teaching session? "Do you understand why you clamp the drain before she sits up?" "Why do you always keep her head raised 30 degrees?" "What do you know about her autoregulation mechanism failing?" "What questions or concerns do you have about this device?"

"What questions or concerns do you have about this device?"

On the third week of hospitalization following a spinal cord injury, an adolescent reports that his face is bright red, and he is sweating profusely. Which nursing action is completed first? Obtain a stat electrocardiogram Massage his lower extremities to cause vasodilation Assess if his retention catheter is blocked Lower his head to increase cerebral circulation

Assess if his retention catheter is blocked

The nurse is caring for a child who had a seizure, fell to the ground, and hit and injured his face, head, and shoulders. This information indicates the child likely had which type of seizures? Myoclonic Atonic Infantile Absence

Atonic

Antibiotic therapy to treat meningitis should be instituted immediately after which event? Admission to the nursing unit Identification of the causative organism Initiation of I.V. therapy Collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood for culture

Collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood for culture

After a difficult birth, the nurse observes that a newborn has swelling on part of his head. The nurse suspects caput succedaneum based on what evidence? The swelling is limited to one small area without crossing the sagittal suture. The infant had low-set ears and facial abnormalities. The swelling crosses the midline of the infant's scalp. The infant had a low birthweight when born at term.

The swelling crosses the midline of the infant's scalp.

The parents of a child with a thoracic-level spinal injury are anxious to learn the long-term prognosis for their child and ask if the child will walk again. How should the nurse respond to the parents? "It is most unlikely that your son will ever walk again." "What has the physician said about your son's recovery?" "It will be several weeks before an answer to your question is possible." "Damage usually progresses after the first week."

"It will be several weeks before an answer to your question is possible."

A child who has been having seizures is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing. The child has had laboratory testing and an EEG, and is scheduled for a lumbar puncture. The parents voice concern to the nurse stating, "I don't understand why our child had to have a lumbar puncture since the EEG was negative." What is the best response by the nurse? "A lumbar puncture is a routine test that is performed anytime someone has a seizure disorder." "The lumbar puncture can help rule out any infection in fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord as the cause of the seizures." "Since the EEG was negative there must be some other cause for the seizures. The lumbar puncture is necessary to determine what the cause is." "I know it must be frustrating not having a diagnosis yet, but you have to be patient. Seizure disorders are difficult to diagnose."

"The lumbar puncture can help rule out any infection in fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord as the cause of the seizures."

When caring for a child who has a history of seizures, which nursing interventions would be appropriate? Select all that apply. The nurse pads the crib or side rails before a seizure. The nurse places a washcloth in the mouth to prevent injury during seizure. The nurse stays with the child and calls for help when a seizure begins. The nurse positions the child on the side during a seizure. The nurse has oxygen available to use during a seizure. The nurse teaches the caregivers regarding seizure precautions.

The nurse pads the crib or side rails before a seizure. The nurse positions the child on the side during a seizure. The nurse stays with the child and calls for help when a seizure begins. The nurse has oxygen available to use during a seizure. The nurse teaches the caregivers regarding seizure precautions.