The nurse has taught the parents of a school-aged child with a newly placed ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to monitor for early signs of shunt malfunction. The nurse determines the parents understand the instructions if they understand they should notify the provider if the child develops which early manifestation?
Lethargy
Seizure activity
Rapid weight gain
Disinterest in attending school
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale:
A. Lethargy is an early sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) due to possible shunt malfunction and requires immediate medical attention.
B. Seizure activity can be a late sign of shunt malfunction and is also concerning but lethargy typically appears earlier.
C. Rapid weight gain is less directly related to shunt malfunction and more associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or edema.
D. Disinterest in school could suggest general malaise but is not a specific or early sign of shunt malfunction.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. PKU is typically diagnosed through a blood test, not a urine test. The blood test measures phenylalanine levels, which are elevated in PKU.
B. Untreated PKU can lead to severe cognitive deficits and developmental delays due to the accumulation of phenylalanine, which is toxic to the brain. Early detection and treatment can prevent these outcomes.
C. In PKU, the urine does not typically contain high levels of phenyl pyruvic acid; it is the blood levels of phenylalanine that are elevated.
D. The effects of PKU are not reversible; however, with early and consistent treatment, such as a strict low-phenylalanine diet, the symptoms can be managed effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While reviewing the CBC is important, it is not the priority.
B. Assessing joint pain is necessary for managing symptoms, but it is not the most critical initial action.
C. Evaluating the erythematous rash is part of the assessment, but it does not take precedence.
D. Auscultating the heart is the priority because acute rheumatic fever can lead to carditis, which can cause significant and potentially life-threatening heart complications. Early detection of abnormal heart sounds is crucial.