A nurse is assessing an infant who has hydrocephalus and is 6 hr postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Irritability when being held
Heart rate 122/min
Hypoactive bowel sounds
Urine specific gravity 1.018
The Correct Answer is A
A. Irritability when being held may indicate increased intracranial pressure or complications related to the VP shunt placement and should be reported to the provider.
B. A heart rate of 122/min is within the normal range for an infant and does not require reporting.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds may occur postoperatively, especially if the infant has not been fed or has been under anesthesia, and is not an immediate concern.
D. A urine specific gravity of 1.018 is within normal limits for infants and does not indicate a need for reporting.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) are typically used to assess respiratory function and acid-base balance, which are not primary concerns with valproic acid use.
B. Serum liver enzyme levels are critical to monitor due to the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with valproic acid therapy, making this test essential for safe management.
C. A chest X-ray is generally used to assess respiratory conditions, not relevant for monitoring the effects of valproic acid.
D. Urine culture and sensitivity are used to diagnose urinary tract infections and are not relevant to the monitoring of valproic acid therapy.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Withholding the next dose of warfarin is incorrect. Warfarin takes several days to reach therapeutic levels, and the INR of 1.8 is below the target range (typically 2.0–3.0 for PE treatment). Stopping warfarin is unnecessary.
B. Withholding the heparin infusion is correct. The aPTT is significantly elevated at 98 seconds (therapeutic range: 60–80 seconds for PE treatment), increasing the risk of bleeding. The nurse should pause the heparin infusion and notify the provider for dose adjustment.
C. Preparing to administer vitamin K is incorrect. Vitamin K reverses warfarin effects, but the INR of 1.8 is not dangerously high and does not require reversal.
D. Preparing to administer alteplase is incorrect. Alteplase (a thrombolytic) is used for massive PE with hemodynamic instability, not for a patient already receiving anticoagulation therapy.
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