ATI RN
Pediatric NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A 6 months old boy presents with respiratory distress and feeding difficulty. On examination heart rate is 130/min and there is a pansystolic murmur at left lower sternal border. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most likely diagnosis for the 6-month-old boy presenting with respiratory distress, feeding difficulty, a heart rate of 130/min, and a pansystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border is a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). Explanation of the correct answer (C - Ventricular septal defect): 1. VSD is a common congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening between the ventricles, leading to symptoms like respiratory distress and feeding difficulty due to increased pulmonary blood flow. 2. The presence of a pansystolic murmur at the left lower sternal border indicates a VSD as it is a classic auscultatory finding in this condition. 3. The increased heart rate of 130/min is a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output in the presence of the VSD. Explanation of why others are wrong: A) Mitral regurgitation: Unlikely in this scenario as the murmur would be at the apex, not the left lower sternal border. B) Mitral valve prolapse: Typically presents with a mid-systolic click, not a pansystolic murmur. D) Coarctation of aorta: Usually presents with hypertension in the upper extremities and weak pulses in the lower extremities, not respiratory distress and feeding difficulty. Educational context: Understanding the clinical manifestations and auscultatory findings associated with different congenital heart defects is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing these signs early can lead to prompt intervention and improved outcomes for the child. A robust knowledge of pediatric cardiac conditions is essential for nurses working in pediatric settings to provide safe and effective care.
Question 2 of 5
A 4-year-old weighing 15 kg produces 150 mL of urine in 10 hours. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) Record the urine output in the chart. In pediatric nursing, monitoring urine output is crucial as it is a key indicator of renal function and hydration status in children. In this case, the 4-year-old child's urine output of 150 mL in 10 hours falls within the expected range for a child of this age and weight. It is important for the nurse to accurately document this output in the child's chart for ongoing assessment and to establish a baseline for comparison. Option A) Notify the physician; urine output is too low: This option is incorrect because the child's urine output is within the expected range for a 4-year-old. There is no indication of decreased renal function or dehydration based on the given information. Option B) Encourage increased oral intake: While hydration is important, there is no evidence in the question to suggest that the child is dehydrated or in need of increased oral intake. The current urine output is appropriate for the child's age and weight. Option D) Administer IV fluids to rehydrate: There is no indication in the question that the child is dehydrated to the point of needing IV fluids. Administering IV fluids without a proper assessment and indication can lead to fluid overload and potential complications. Educational context: Understanding normal pediatric parameters, such as urine output, is vital for pediatric nurses. By accurately documenting and interpreting urine output, nurses can detect early signs of renal dysfunction, dehydration, or other health issues in children. This question reinforces the importance of thorough assessment, documentation, and critical thinking in pediatric nursing practice.
Question 3 of 5
Which discharge instruction for a child with encopresis should the nurse question?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Offer a diet high in protein. Rationale: Encopresis is a condition characterized by the involuntary passage of stool, typically associated with constipation. Offering a diet high in protein is not the appropriate discharge instruction for a child with encopresis. A high-protein diet can exacerbate constipation due to its low fiber content, which can further contribute to fecal impaction and worsen the symptoms of encopresis. Option A) Limit milk intake is a common recommendation for children with encopresis as dairy products can sometimes exacerbate constipation in susceptible individuals. Option B) Obtain a complete dietary log is important to identify any dietary patterns or triggers that may be contributing to the child's symptoms of encopresis. Option C) Follow up with a child psychologist is crucial as encopresis can have psychological components, and addressing any underlying emotional issues is essential in managing the condition effectively. Educational context: It is important for nurses to understand the pathophysiology of conditions such as encopresis and the appropriate dietary and psychological interventions to provide holistic care to pediatric patients. By recognizing the implications of dietary choices and the psychological aspects of the condition, nurses can better support children and their families in managing and overcoming encopresis.
Question 4 of 5
During starvation, the body slows metabolic processes and growth to minimize the need for nutrients. With the rapid reinstitution of feeding after starvation refeeding syndrome may occur. Of the following, the major changes that may occur with refeeding syndrome typically affect
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) electrolytes. Refeeding syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutrition is rapidly reintroduced to a malnourished individual, causing shifts in electrolytes such as phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. These electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, seizures, and even death. Option B) serum proteins is incorrect because while protein metabolism may be affected during refeeding, the major changes that occur typically revolve around electrolyte imbalances. Option C) hormones is incorrect because although hormonal changes can occur during refeeding, they are not the major focus in the context of refeeding syndrome. Option D) liver enzymes is incorrect because refeeding syndrome primarily affects electrolyte balance rather than liver enzymes. In an educational context, understanding refeeding syndrome is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working with malnourished pediatric patients. It highlights the importance of slow and gradual reintroduction of nutrition to prevent serious complications. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of refeeding syndrome and monitoring electrolyte levels closely can help prevent adverse outcomes in these vulnerable patients.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following malignant tumors is least likely to occur in adults in comparison with children?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) retinoblastoma. Retinoblastoma is a rare malignant tumor that primarily affects children, typically before the age of 5. This cancer arises from the retina and is very uncommon in adults. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) (option A) is a common type of leukemia that can affect both children and adults, but it is more prevalent in children. Osteosarcoma (option B) is a type of bone cancer that primarily occurs in children and young adults. Medulloblastoma (option C) is a type of brain tumor that mainly affects children, although it can rarely occur in adults. Understanding the prevalence of different types of pediatric cancers is crucial for healthcare professionals caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the unique characteristics of various malignancies can aid in early detection, timely intervention, and improved outcomes for young patients. By knowing which tumors are more common in children, healthcare providers can tailor their screening, diagnostic, and treatment approaches accordingly.