ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nasogastric tube for suction is ordered for a neonate diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. Which complication related to gastric drainage is the priority when planning care for this neonate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this case, the correct answer is B) Metabolic alkalosis. When a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia is on nasogastric suction, excessive gastric drainage can lead to a loss of hydrochloric acid, resulting in metabolic alkalosis. This is the priority complication because it can have serious consequences on the neonate's overall health and well-being. Option A) Weight loss may occur as a result of gastric drainage, but it is not the priority concern compared to the acid-base imbalance that metabolic alkalosis presents. Option C) Dehydration is a possible complication due to fluid loss through gastric drainage; however, metabolic alkalosis takes precedence as it can have more immediate and severe effects on the neonate's physiological stability. Option D) Hyperbilirubinemia is not directly related to nasogastric suction or gastric drainage in this scenario and is therefore not the priority complication to address. Educationally, understanding the potential complications of nasogastric suction in neonates with specific conditions like diaphragmatic hernia is crucial for pediatric nurses. This knowledge enables them to anticipate, identify, and intervene promptly to prevent serious complications and provide optimal care for these vulnerable patients.
Question 2 of 5
When caring for a child with hyponatremia, a nurse delegates care to a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and instructs the LVN to promptly report which clinical manifestation?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Seizures are a significant concern in severe hyponatremia as they indicate potential neurological complications and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further harm to the child. Prompt reporting of seizures allows for timely assessment and appropriate treatment to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Question 3 of 5
A child is admitted to the hospital for hypercalcemia and is placed on diuretic therapy. Which diuretic would the nurse expect to administer?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that acts on the ascending loop of Henle in the kidney to increase calcium excretion. In the setting of hypercalcemia, where there is an elevated level of calcium in the blood, Furosemide can help promote the elimination of excess calcium through the urine, thereby aiding in the management of hypercalcemia.
Question 4 of 5
Which is the priority nursing assessment when providing care for an infant at risk for dehydration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, assessing infants at risk for dehydration requires a comprehensive approach to prioritize care effectively. The correct answer, D) Daily weight, is crucial because infants are more vulnerable to fluid imbalances due to their small size and rapid metabolic rate. Daily weight monitoring in infants can provide early indications of fluid loss or gain, helping to guide timely interventions. Option A) Urine output is important in assessing hydration status, but in infants, it can be variable and may not provide a reliable indicator of dehydration, especially in cases of insensible water loss. Urine specific gravity, option B), is also a useful indicator but may not be as practical or sensitive in infants compared to adults. While vital signs, option C), are important in assessing overall health, they may not be as specific indicators of dehydration in infants as changes can be subtle and easily missed. Daily weight monitoring is a more direct and reliable method to detect changes in fluid status in infants. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind prioritizing daily weight assessment in dehydrated infants is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care. By emphasizing the significance of daily weight monitoring, nurses can proactively identify and manage dehydration in infants, ultimately improving patient outcomes and safety.
Question 5 of 5
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure. Which compound in this system is most powerful at raising blood pressure?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angiotensin II is the most potent compound in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system for raising blood pressure. It acts as a powerful vasoconstrictor, leading to increased systemic vascular resistance. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I through the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. While renin initiates the cascade by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, it is angiotensin II that exerts the strongest pressor effect.