A nurse on an oncology unit is assessing a child who has a brain tumor. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Increased appetite
Negative Babinski reflex
Tachycardia
Hyporeflexia
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Increased appetite is not a common finding in children with brain tumors. On the contrary, they may have decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss due to increased intracranial pressure or tumor location.
Choice B reason: Negative Babinski reflex is a normal finding in children over 2 years old and adults. It means that the toes curl downward when the sole of the foot is stimulated. A positive Babinski reflex, which means that the big toe moves upward and the other toes fan outward, is a sign of damage to the corticospinal tract, which may be caused by a brain tumor.
Choice C reason: Tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, is not a specific finding for brain tumors. It may be caused by many factors, such as fever, pain, anxiety, dehydration, or medications. However, some brain tumors may affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the heart rate, and cause bradycardia, or slow heart rate.
Choice D reason: Hyporeflexia, or diminished reflexes, is a possible finding in children with brain tumors. It indicates a dysfunction of the lower motor neurons, which may be affected by the tumor or the increased intracranial pressure. Hyporeflexia may manifest as weakness, numbness, or decreased muscle tone in the affected limbs.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease may need a feeding tube after the surgery to provide adequate nutrition and hydration while the bowel recovers. The parent should express interest in learning how to use and care for the feeding tube, as this indicates an understanding of the teaching.
Choice B reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease will not need a urinary catheter after the surgery, unless there is a specific indication for it. The parent should not confuse the feeding tube with the urinary catheter, as this indicates a lack of understanding of the teaching.
Choice C reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease will not have normal bowel movements immediately after the surgery, as the bowel needs time to heal and adapt. The parent should be aware of the possible complications and follow-up care that the child will need.
Choice D reason: A child with Hirschsprung disease may require a temporary or permanent ostomy, depending on the extent of the bowel affected. The parent should be prepared for either outcome and not assume that the ostomy is only temporary.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: 60 beats per minute is too low for an infant's apical heart rate. The normal range for a 6-month-old infant is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A low heart rate can indicate digoxin toxicity, which can cause serious complications such as bradycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Choice B reason: 80 beats per minute is also too low for an infant's apical heart rate. The normal range for a 6-month-old infant is 100 to 160 beats per minute. A low heart rate can indicate digoxin toxicity, which can cause serious complications such as bradycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Choice C reason: 100 beats per minute is the lower limit of the normal range for a 6-month-old infant's apical heart rate. The nurse should withhold the dose of digoxin if the infant's apical heart rate is less than 100 beats per minute, as this can indicate digoxin toxicity, which can cause serious complications such as bradycardia, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest.
Choice D reason: 120 beats per minute is within the normal range for a 6-month-old infant's apical heart rate. The nurse does not need to withhold the dose of digoxin if the infant's apical heart rate is 120 beats per minute, as this does not indicate digoxin toxicity. However, the nurse should still monitor the infant's heart rate, blood pressure, and digoxin level closely, as digoxin has a narrow therapeutic window and can cause adverse effects even at therapeutic doses.
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