ATI RN
Pediatric Research Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which action best explains the main role of surfactant in the neonate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Surfactant plays a crucial role in the neonate by helping the lungs remain expanded after the initiation of breathing. Surfactant is a substance produced by type II alveolar cells in the lungs that reduces surface tension in the alveoli. By lowering surface tension, surfactant prevents the alveoli from collapsing during expiration, thereby helping the lungs to remain expanded and functional. This function is particularly important in neonates, whose lungs are not yet fully developed and may have difficulty maintaining lung expansion without adequate levels of surfactant. Failure to produce enough surfactant can lead to respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.
Question 2 of 5
A female child, age 2, is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown number of aspirin tablets about 30 minutes earlier. On entering the examination room, the child is crying and clinging to the mother. Which data should the nurse obtain first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this situation, the priority data the nurse should obtain first is the vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure of the child. This information will help assess the child's current physiological status and potential effects of ingesting the aspirin. Aspirin overdose in children can lead to serious complications such as metabolic acidosis, respiratory distress, and cardiovascular instability. Monitoring the vital signs will provide crucial information to guide appropriate interventions and determine the severity of the child's condition. Height and weight (option
D) are important for routine assessments but not the priority in this urgent situation. Recent exposure to communicable diseases (option
B) and number of immunizations received (option
C) are not relevant to the immediate management of the child's aspirin ingestion.
Question 3 of 5
Cherry, the mother of an 11-month-old girl, Elizabeth, is in the clinic for her daughter's immunizations. She expresses concern to the nurse that Elizabeth cannot yet walk. The nurse correctly replies that, according to the Denver Developmental Screen, the median age for walking is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Denver Developmental Screening Test states that the median age for walking is around 12 months. This means that about half of all typically developing children will begin to walk by this age. It is important to note that there is a wide range of normal development, and not all children will hit these milestones at the same time. If Cherry's 11-month-old daughter, Elizabeth, is not yet walking, it does not necessarily indicate a developmental delay as long as she is meeting other milestones within a reasonable timeframe.
Question 4 of 5
Daya's child is scheduled for surgerydue to myelomeningocele; the primary reason for surgical repair is which of thefollowing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The primary reason for surgical repair of myelomeningocele is to correct the neurologic defect caused by this type of birth defect. Myelomeningocele is a form of spina bifida where the spinal cord and its covering are exposed through an opening in the spine. Surgical closure of the defect is performed to protect the spinal cord and nerves, prevent further damage, and potentially improve long-term outcomes for the child. While preventing complications like hydrocephalus or infection may be important secondary goals of the treatment, the main objective of surgery for myelomeningocele is to address the underlying neurologic defect itself.
Question 5 of 5
A spica cast was put on Baby Betty after an unfortunate incident to immobilize her hips and thighs; which of the following is the priority nursing action immediately after application?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Performing neurovascular checks is the priority nursing action immediately after applying a spica cast on Baby Betty. A spica cast is used to immobilize the hips and thighs, which can affect circulation and nerve function in the lower extremities. Neurovascular checks involve assessing the circulation, sensation, and movement of the affected limb to ensure there are no signs of impaired circulation or nerve damage. It is crucial to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome, such as pain, numbness, tingling, or decreased pulse, which could indicate a vascular compromise. Timely identification of any neurovascular compromise is essential to prevent complications and ensure the baby's safety and well-being.