A child presents with a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?

Questions 113

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

NCLEX Pediatric Respiratory Wong Nursing Questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A child presents with a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Which of the following interventions should the nurse perform first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Assess the child's oxygen saturation. In a pediatric patient presenting with a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, it is crucial to assess their oxygen saturation as the first step. This is because difficulty breathing can indicate respiratory distress, and assessing oxygen saturation will provide important information about the child's respiratory status and the need for immediate intervention. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Option A) is not the priority in this case because the child's difficulty breathing takes precedence over the fever. Placing the child in a cool, well-ventilated room (Option B) may be helpful, but it does not address the immediate need to assess the child's respiratory status. Encouraging the child to drink fluids (Option D) is also important but not as urgent as assessing the oxygen saturation. In an educational context, understanding the prioritization of interventions in pediatric respiratory distress is essential for nurses caring for children. Recognizing the signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, and knowing the appropriate interventions can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Nurses must be able to quickly assess and respond to respiratory issues in pediatric patients to provide timely and effective care.

Question 2 of 5

A nurse is assessing a child with asthma. Which of the following signs or symptoms would indicate that the child's asthma is poorly controlled?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of assessing a child with asthma, frequent nighttime awakenings due to coughing would indicate that the child's asthma is poorly controlled. This is because nighttime coughing is a common symptom of asthma exacerbation and indicates increased airway inflammation and constriction during the night. Option A, the child using a peak flow meter daily, is actually a sign of good asthma management as it helps monitor lung function and detect early signs of worsening asthma. Option B, the child being able to perform normal activities without limitations, could be misleading as asthma symptoms can vary throughout the day and may not be reflective of the overall control of the condition. Option D, the child having no difficulty breathing during physical activity, does not specifically address nighttime symptoms, which are crucial indicators of asthma control. Educationally, understanding the signs of poorly controlled asthma in children is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients with asthma. Recognizing nighttime symptoms is particularly important as they can impact a child's sleep quality and overall health. Nurses must be vigilant in assessing and monitoring asthma symptoms to provide timely interventions and prevent exacerbations.

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is assessing a child with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings would indicate a ruptured appendix?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of assessing a child with suspected appendicitis, the finding of abdominal distension and tenderness would indicate a ruptured appendix. This is because when the appendix ruptures, it leads to the spilling of infected contents into the abdominal cavity, causing inflammation and distension. Abdominal tenderness is also a common sign of a ruptured appendix due to the irritation and inflammation in the abdominal area. The other options are not indicative of a ruptured appendix: A) A low-grade fever is a common symptom in appendicitis before rupture, but it is not specific to a ruptured appendix. C) An increased heart rate is a general sign of stress or infection in the body and can be present in various conditions, including uncomplicated appendicitis. D) Decreased blood pressure is not typically associated with a ruptured appendix unless severe complications like sepsis have developed, which would be a later-stage manifestation. In an educational context, understanding the progression of appendicitis from initial presentation to potential complications like rupture is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the signs of a ruptured appendix promptly is essential for timely intervention and preventing further complications. This question highlights the importance of thorough assessment skills and knowledge of pediatric abdominal conditions in nursing practice.

Question 4 of 5

A nurse is caring for a child with a burn injury. Which of the following interventions should be included in the initial treatment of a burn?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the initial treatment of a burn injury in a child, the priority intervention is to remove the child from the heat source (Option B). This is because stopping the burning process is crucial to prevent further injury and tissue damage. By removing the child from the heat source, the burn can be contained and further injury minimized. Applying cold compresses (Option A) is not recommended as it can lead to vasoconstriction and further damage to the skin. Covering the burn with butter or oil (Option C) is also contraindicated as it can trap heat and increase the risk of infection. Cleaning the burn with soap and water (Option D) is not recommended initially as it can cause further damage and increase the risk of infection. Educationally, it's important for nurses to understand the appropriate first aid measures for burn injuries in children to provide safe and effective care. Teaching this information to nursing students prepares them to respond promptly and effectively in emergency situations involving burn injuries in pediatric patients.

Question 5 of 5

A nurse is caring for a child with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should educate the parents about which of the following as a key factor in managing the child's condition?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Using prescribed medications as directed. In managing a child with chronic asthma, using prescribed medications as directed is crucial for controlling and preventing asthma exacerbations. Medications such as bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce airway inflammation, open up airways, and decrease the frequency of asthma attacks. Educating parents about the importance of medication adherence empowers them to effectively manage their child's condition and improve their quality of life. Option A) Limiting the child's physical activity is incorrect because regular physical activity is beneficial for children with asthma as it helps to improve lung function and overall health. Option C) Reducing fluid intake during asthma attacks is incorrect as maintaining proper hydration is important, especially during asthma exacerbations, to help thin mucus and keep airways moist. Option D) Encouraging exposure to allergens to build immunity is incorrect as it can trigger asthma symptoms and exacerbate the condition. Avoiding allergen exposure is essential in asthma management. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive asthma management education to parents, including proper medication use, recognizing asthma triggers, and when to seek medical help. This empowers parents to play an active role in managing their child's asthma and promoting better health outcomes.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions