ATI RN
Nursing Interventions for Pediatric Respiratory Distress Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child with a suspected case of rotavirus. Which of the following interventions should be a priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In caring for a child with suspected rotavirus, the priority intervention is administering an oral rehydration solution (Option A). Rotavirus commonly causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions are crucial in replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing complications like electrolyte imbalances and hypovolemic shock. Providing intravenous fluids (Option B) may be necessary if the child is severely dehydrated or unable to tolerate oral fluids. However, oral rehydration is preferred as the initial intervention if the child can tolerate it. Administering antiemetic medications (Option C) may help control vomiting, but managing dehydration through fluid replacement is the priority in this scenario. Providing a high-fiber diet (Option D) is not appropriate during acute illness with diarrhea and vomiting, as fiber can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms and worsen dehydration. Educationally, understanding the importance of fluid and electrolyte balance in pediatric patients with viral gastroenteritis like rotavirus is essential for nurses. Recognizing the priority interventions based on the child's clinical presentation is crucial for providing safe and effective care.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is caring for a child who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In caring for a child receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN), it is crucial for the nurse to prioritize monitoring the child's blood glucose levels. This is because TPN is a high concentration of glucose and can lead to hyperglycemia if not properly monitored. Hyperglycemia can result in serious complications such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and potential harm to vital organs. By closely monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can intervene promptly if any abnormalities are detected, thus ensuring the child's safety and well-being. Monitoring the child's blood pressure (option B) is important in general patient care; however, in the context of a child receiving TPN, monitoring blood glucose levels takes precedence due to the potential risks associated with hyperglycemia. Providing supplemental vitamin K (option C) is essential for patients on long-term TPN to prevent deficiencies; however, it is not the priority in this situation where immediate monitoring of blood glucose is crucial. Encouraging oral intake as soon as possible (option D) is not appropriate for a child receiving TPN as the primary source of nutrition is intravenous. Introducing oral intake prematurely can lead to complications and is not recommended until the healthcare team determines it is safe to do so. In an educational context, understanding the priority interventions in caring for a child on TPN is vital for nurses working in pediatric settings. This knowledge ensures safe and effective care delivery, promoting positive patient outcomes and minimizing potential complications.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse has been assigned to take care of a pediatric patient suspected of having chickenpox (varicella). Which type of precaution is required?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In caring for a pediatric patient suspected of having chickenpox (varicella), the correct precaution required is airborne with isolation room (Option C). This is because chickenpox is primarily transmitted through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Airborne precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Standard precautions (Option A) are important in infection control but may not be sufficient for diseases like chickenpox that are spread through airborne routes. Contact precautions (Option B) are used for diseases spread by direct contact with the patient or their environment, which is not the primary mode of transmission for chickenpox. Droplet precautions (Option D) are used for diseases transmitted through respiratory droplets, but chickenpox is primarily spread through airborne particles. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate precautions for different infectious diseases is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Teaching students about the rationale behind each type of precaution helps them make informed decisions in clinical practice, ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare providers.
Question 5 of 5
The respiratory therapist is evaluating a newborn with mild respiratory distress due to tracheal stenosis. During which period of lung development did this problem develop?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Embryonal. Tracheal stenosis is a congenital condition where there is a narrowing of the trachea that can lead to respiratory distress in newborns. This problem develops during the embryonal period of lung development, which occurs around weeks 3-7 of gestation. During this stage, the trachea and major bronchi are formed from the foregut and undergo critical development. Option B) Saccular refers to the stage around weeks 24-36 of gestation where saccules form, which will later develop into alveoli. Option C) Canalicular is the stage around weeks 16-24 where the bronchioles divide into smaller bronchioles. Option D) Alveolar is the final stage of lung development which occurs from week 36 to adolescence, where alveoli continue to develop and mature. Understanding the timing of lung development stages is crucial for healthcare providers, especially in pediatric nursing, as it helps in recognizing when certain respiratory conditions may have originated. Recognizing tracheal stenosis as an embryonal issue informs the appropriate interventions and treatments needed to manage respiratory distress in newborns.