ATI RN
Nursing Interventions for Pediatric Respiratory Distress Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child diagnosed with impetigo. The nurse should advise the parents to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a child diagnosed with impetigo, advising parents to administer topical antibiotics as prescribed (Option D) is crucial. Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that requires antibiotic treatment to clear the infection effectively. Topical antibiotics directly target the bacteria causing impetigo, promoting faster healing and preventing spread to others. Applying warm compresses (Option A) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the bacterial infection itself. Avoiding touching the rash (Option B) is important to prevent spread, but treatment with antibiotics is necessary for resolution. Allowing the child to bathe in a communal pool (Option C) is contraindicated as impetigo is highly contagious and can easily spread to others in such settings. Educationally, understanding the appropriate treatment for impetigo is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Reinforcing the importance of completing the full course of prescribed antibiotics and emphasizing infection control measures are key aspects of nursing interventions for impetigo management.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with dehydration. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs or symptoms as an indication of severe dehydration?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a child with dehydration, monitoring for signs and symptoms of severe dehydration is crucial for timely intervention. The correct answer is option D, "Sunken fontanels." Fontanels are soft spots on a baby's head where the skull bones have not yet fused. Sunken fontanels are a significant sign of severe dehydration in infants and young children as they indicate a significant decrease in fluid volume in the body. Option A, "Dry mouth and tongue," can be seen in moderate dehydration but may not necessarily indicate severe dehydration. Option B, "Reduced urine output," is a sign of dehydration but may not specifically indicate severe dehydration unless it is accompanied by other severe symptoms. Option C, "Rapid breathing," can be a response to dehydration, but it is not as specific to severe dehydration as sunken fontanels. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of dehydration, especially in pediatric patients, is vital for nurses and healthcare providers. Knowing the specific indicators of severe dehydration, such as sunken fontanels in infants, helps in early recognition and prompt treatment to prevent complications. Nurses must be able to differentiate between mild, moderate, and severe dehydration to provide appropriate and timely interventions for pediatric patients.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a child with a diagnosis of spina bifida. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect to see?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the manifestations of spina bifida is crucial for providing appropriate care. The correct answer, D) All of the above, is the expected finding in a child with spina bifida. This condition can present with a spectrum of neurological deficits, including paralysis of the lower limbs, an absence of deep tendon reflexes, weakness, and sensory loss in the lower limbs. Option A, paralysis of the lower limbs, is a common presentation in spina bifida due to the spinal cord defect affecting motor function. Option B, an absence of deep tendon reflexes, is also expected as the spinal cord lesion disrupts normal reflex arcs. Option C, weakness and sensory loss in the lower limbs, are indicative of nerve damage and impaired sensation, which are commonly seen in spina bifida. Educationally, this question highlights the neurological implications of spina bifida in children, emphasizing the importance of early assessment and intervention to prevent complications and optimize outcomes. Nurses caring for pediatric patients with spina bifida must be knowledgeable about these expected findings to provide holistic and individualized care.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with asthma. The nurse should instruct the parents to administer which of the following medications during an asthma attack?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the management of pediatric asthma, the correct medication to administer during an asthma attack is a short-acting beta agonist, which is option C. Short-acting beta agonists like albuterol are considered rescue medications as they work quickly to open up the airways during an asthma exacerbation, providing immediate relief from symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Option A, inhaled corticosteroids, are considered maintenance medications used to control asthma symptoms over the long term by reducing airway inflammation. They are not meant for quick relief during an acute asthma attack. Option B, leukotriene modifiers, are also maintenance medications that help reduce inflammation in the airways but are not as fast-acting as short-acting beta agonists in providing relief during an acute attack. Option D, long-acting beta agonists, are also maintenance medications that are used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for long-term asthma control. They are not appropriate for use during an acute asthma attack due to their slower onset of action. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses and parents to understand the differences between these medications to ensure appropriate management of pediatric asthma. Proper education on the use of rescue medications like short-acting beta agonists during acute exacerbations can help prevent complications and improve outcomes for children with asthma.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child who has a recent history of a concussion. Which of the following is a priority assessment?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of caring for a child with a recent concussion, the priority assessment is to assess for signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), making option A the correct answer. This is crucial because a concussion can lead to swelling or bleeding inside the brain, potentially causing increased ICP, which can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Option B, monitoring for difficulty swallowing, while important, is not the priority in this scenario as it is not directly related to the potential complications of a concussion such as increased ICP. Option C, assessing for skin integrity around the injury site, is also important but not as critical as monitoring for signs of increased ICP. Option D, evaluating the child's ability to perform tasks, is not the priority when assessing a child with a recent concussion as it does not directly address the immediate risks associated with increased ICP. Educationally, understanding the priority assessments in caring for a child with a concussion is essential knowledge for nurses working in pediatric settings. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of increased ICP and understanding the urgency of addressing them promptly can help prevent serious consequences and improve patient outcomes.