ATI RN
Pediatric Neurology Question Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 2-month-old infant is brought to the emergency room after experiencing a seizure. The infant appears lethargic with very irregular respirations and periods of apnea. The parents report the baby is no longer interested in feeding and, before the seizure, rolled off the couch. What additional testing should the nurse immediately prepare for?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A CT scan of the head and eye dilation are critical for this 2-month-old with seizure, lethargy, apnea, and a fall, per pediatric trauma protocols. The fall suggests possible trauma, and CT quickly identifiintracranial hemorrhage or skull fracture, common in infants. Eye dilation checks for retinal hemorrhages, a hallmark of shaken baby syndrome (SBS), which aligns with seizure and lethargy in this age group. CT with EEG adds seizure monitoring but delays trauma assessment. Head X-rays miss soft tissue injury; long bone X-rays screen for abuse but arent immediate. SBS or traumas urgency, per AAP guidelines, makes A the correct answer, prioritizing rapid diagnosis of life-threatening conditions.
Question 2 of 5
A child with a seizure disorder has been having episodduring which she drops her pencil and appears to be daydreaming. This is most likely a/an:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Absence seizure fits dropping a pencil and daydreaming, per ILAE classification. Brief (<30 seconds), with staring and minor automatisms, its common in childhood. Akinetic involvfalls; non-epileptic psychogenic; spasms infantile. As EEG (3 Hz spike-wave) and presentation make it the correct answer.
Question 3 of 5
A preschooler has been having periods during which he suddenly falls and appears weak for a short time after the event. The preschool teacher asks what she should do. Select the nursbest response.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Follow up with the pediatrician for a likely atonic seizure is best, per epilepsy texts. Sudden falls with brief weakness suggest atonic seizur(tone loss), needing evaluation. Stressors dont fit; absence lacks falls; growth dismisssymptoms. As specificity makes itthe correct answer.
Question 4 of 5
The mother of an unconscious child has been calling her name and gently shaking her shoulders to wake her. The nurse observthe child flexing her arms and wrists, drawing them closer to the midline. The mother asks, What is going on? Select the nursbest response.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A reflex from overstimulation is best, per neurology texts. Flexion toward midline (decorticate-like) in an unconscious child suggests a reflex to excessive stimuli, not purposeful response (A, B) or seizure . Ds explanation makes itthe correct answer.
Question 5 of 5
A 6-month-old infant diagnosed with meningitis is placed supine. When the infants neck is flexed, he also flexhis kneand hips. This sign is referred to as:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Brudzinski sign is neck flexion causing knee/hip flexion in meningitis, per infectious disease texts, indicating meningeal irritation. Cushing is ICP triad; Kernig leg extension pain; nuchal stiffness. As specificity makes itthe correct answer.