ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Cardiovascular Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is admitted to the hospital for uncontrolled DM. Insulin therapy is initiated with an initial dose of Humulin N insulin at 0800. At 1600, the client complains of diaphoresis, rapid heartbeat, and feeling shaky. What should the nurse do first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take first is to determine the client's current glucose level (Option A). This is crucial in assessing the client's condition and identifying if the symptoms of diaphoresis, rapid heartbeat, and feeling shaky are related to hypoglycemia, a common adverse effect of insulin therapy. Option B, administering 10 units of fast-acting insulin, is incorrect as it can further lower the client's blood glucose levels, exacerbating the symptoms of hypoglycemia. Option C, offering a snack with high protein, is not the first priority as assessing the glucose level is necessary to determine the appropriate intervention. Option D, increasing the IV infusion rate of normal saline, is not indicated for addressing hypoglycemia associated with insulin therapy. Educationally, this scenario highlights the importance of prompt assessment and intervention in managing potential complications of insulin therapy in diabetic patients. Nurses need to prioritize assessing the client's glucose levels to guide appropriate interventions and prevent further complications. Understanding the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and the appropriate nursing actions is essential in providing safe and effective care to patients with diabetes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse reviews the laboratory results for a child with a suspected diagnosis of rheumatic fever. The nurse knows that which laboratory study would assist in confirming the diagnosis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing and cardiovascular disorders, understanding the laboratory studies that assist in confirming a diagnosis like rheumatic fever is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer is D) Anti-streptolysin O titer. Rheumatic fever is often preceded by a streptococcal infection, and the presence of anti-streptolysin O antibodies indicates recent streptococcal infection, helping confirm the diagnosis. This test is specific to streptococcal infections and is essential in diagnosing rheumatic fever accurately. Option A) Immunoglobulin is too broad and does not specifically target the streptococcal infection needed for diagnosing rheumatic fever. Option B) Red blood cell count and C) White blood cell count are general tests that do not provide specific information about a streptococcal infection or rheumatic fever. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each laboratory test in diagnosing specific conditions enhances a nurse's ability to provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders like rheumatic fever. Knowing which tests are appropriate for specific conditions can lead to timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment interventions.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse has provided home care instructions to the parents of a child who is being discharged after cardiac surgery. Which statement by the parents indicates a need for further instructions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, option B, "I can apply lotion or powder to the incision if it is itchy," indicates a need for further instructions. This statement is incorrect because applying lotion or powder to a surgical incision can introduce foreign substances and increase the risk of infection, which is crucial to avoid in the post-operative period. Option A is correct because a balance of rest and exercise is essential for the child's recovery after cardiac surgery. It promotes healing while preventing complications like blood clots. Option C is correct as activities that could result in falls should be avoided to prevent injury to the surgical site and ensure the child's safety during the initial healing phase. Option D is correct as crowded places like malls or grocery stores pose a risk of exposure to infections, which the child's weakened immune system may not be able to handle immediately after surgery. It is crucial to educate parents on post-operative care to ensure the child's optimal recovery and reduce the risk of complications. Providing clear instructions and addressing misconceptions, like the one in option B, are vital components of pediatric nursing education in cardiovascular disorders.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a child with Kawasaki disease. A student nurse who is on the unit asks if there are medications to treat the disease. The nurse’s best response to the student nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In treating Kawasaki disease, the correct answer is C) Immunoglobulin G and aspirin. Immunoglobulin G helps to reduce the risk of coronary artery abnormalities associated with Kawasaki disease, while aspirin is used to manage inflammation and reduce the risk of blood clot formation. Option A) Immunoglobulin G and ACE inhibitors is incorrect because ACE inhibitors are not typically used in the treatment of Kawasaki disease. Option B) Immunoglobulin and heparin is incorrect because heparin is not a standard treatment for Kawasaki disease. Option D) Immunoglobulin and ibuprofen is incorrect because ibuprofen is not recommended in Kawasaki disease treatment due to its potential to worsen the risk of coronary artery aneurysms. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students to understand the rationale behind treatment choices for pediatric cardiovascular disorders like Kawasaki disease. This knowledge helps ensure safe and effective care for pediatric patients, highlighting the importance of evidence-based practice in pediatric pharmacology.
Question 5 of 5
A child has been diagnosed with valvular disease following rheumatic fever (RF). During patient teaching, the nurse discusses the child’s long-term prophylactic therapy with antibiotics for dental procedures, surgery, and childbirth. The parents Indicate they understand when they say:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) “She will need to take the antibiotics for the rest of her life.” This is because prophylactic antibiotic therapy for valvular disease following rheumatic fever is typically recommended indefinitely to prevent the recurrence of acute rheumatic fever and further damage to the heart valves. Rheumatic fever can lead to permanent heart damage, including valvular disease, which necessitates lifelong prophylactic antibiotics to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Option A) “She will need to take the antibiotics until she turns 18 years old.” is incorrect because the duration of prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not limited to a specific age but rather to prevent complications associated with the underlying valvular disease. Option B) “She will need to take the antibiotics for 5 years after the last attack.” is incorrect as well because the duration of antibiotic therapy is not restricted to a fixed time period after the last attack but is recommended indefinitely due to the risk of recurrent rheumatic fever. Option C) “She will need to take the antibiotics for 10 years after the last attack.” is also incorrect as the duration of prophylactic antibiotic therapy is not limited to a specific number of years after the last attack but is a lifelong regimen. It is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to educate patients and their families about the importance of adherence to long-term prophylactic antibiotic therapy in valvular disease following rheumatic fever to prevent complications and promote optimal cardiovascular health.