ATI RN
Nursing Interventions for Pediatric Respiratory Distress Questions
Question 1 of 5
A postterm infant, delivered vaginally, is exhibiting tachypnea, grunting, retractions, and nasal flaring. The nurse interprets that these assessment findings are indicative of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tachypnea, grunting, retractions, and nasal flaring are symptoms of respiratory distress related to meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). MAS occurs often in postterm infants and develops when meconium in the amniotic fluid enters the lungs during fetal life or at birth. The symptoms noted in the question are unrelated to hypoglycemia. Respiratory distress syndrome is a complication of preterm infants. Transient tachypnea of the newborn is primarily found in infants delivered via cesarean section.
Question 2 of 5
A newborn has a diagnosis of Erb palsy (Erb-Duchenne paralysis). What does a nurse identify as the cause of this complication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing interventions for respiratory distress, understanding conditions like Erb palsy is crucial. Erb palsy, also known as Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is typically caused by an injury to the brachial plexus during birth. This injury occurs when there is excessive stretching of the infant's neck and head away from the affected shoulder during a difficult delivery, leading to damage in the nerves of the brachial plexus. Option A, stating that Erb palsy is a disease acquired in utero, is incorrect. Erb palsy is not a disease but rather a birth injury. Option B, suggesting an X-linked inheritance pattern, is also incorrect as Erb palsy is not a genetic condition but rather a result of trauma during birth. Option C, mentioning a tumor arising from muscle tissue, is not relevant to the etiology of Erb palsy. Understanding the cause of Erb palsy is essential for nurses caring for newborns with this condition. By knowing that Erb palsy is due to a birth-related injury to the brachial plexus, nurses can provide appropriate care, support, and interventions to facilitate optimal outcomes for these infants and their families. It also highlights the importance of proper birthing techniques and interventions to prevent such injuries during delivery.
Question 3 of 5
The mother of a hospitalized 2-year-old child with viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup) asks the nurse why the health care provider did not prescribe antibiotics. Which response should the nurse provide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) "Antibiotics are not indicated unless there is a bacterial infection." In the case of viral laryngotracheobronchitis (croup), the causative agent is typically a virus, not bacteria. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Prescribing antibiotics in the absence of a bacterial infection can lead to antibiotic resistance and unnecessary side effects without providing any benefit to the child. Option A) "Your child may be allergic to antibiotics" is incorrect because the decision to not prescribe antibiotics is not based on potential allergies but rather on the nature of the illness. Option B) "Your child is too young to receive antibiotics" is incorrect as age alone is not the determining factor for prescribing antibiotics in this case. Option D) "Your child still has maternal antibodies from birth and does not need antibiotics" is incorrect because while maternal antibodies may provide some protection, they are not a substitute for appropriate medical treatment if a bacterial infection is not present. From an educational standpoint, it is crucial for nurses to understand the principles of antibiotic stewardship and the appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Educating parents about the rationale behind treatment decisions can help foster understanding and trust in the healthcare provider's expertise.
Question 4 of 5
The parent of a 9-month-old child with croup tells the nurse that her older child just had croup and it cleared up in a couple of days without intervention. She asks the nurse why this child is exhibiting worse symptoms and needs to be hospitalized. The nurse's best response is....
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) "Children younger than 3 years usually exhibit worse symptoms because their immune systems are not as developed." This response is accurate because it highlights the underlying reason for the increased severity of symptoms in younger children experiencing respiratory distress. Children under 3 years of age have immune systems that are still developing, making them more vulnerable to viral infections like croup. Option A is incorrect because while it emphasizes individual differences, it does not address the specific immune system vulnerability in infants. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on bacterial colonization rather than immune system development. Option C is incorrect as it discusses eustachian tubes, which are related to ear infections, not croup. From an educational perspective, understanding the physiological differences in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses to provide effective care. By recognizing that younger children have less developed immune systems, nurses can better assess, intervene, and educate parents on the management of respiratory distress in pediatric patients. This knowledge enhances the quality of care provided to this vulnerable population.
Question 5 of 5
When Sarah is diagnosed with CF, her parents ask what early respiratory symptoms they should expect to see. The nurse's best response would be: "You can expect her to develop....
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) a chronic, productive cough. In the case of cystic fibrosis (CF), early respiratory symptoms often involve the buildup of thick mucus in the airways, leading to a chronic, productive cough. This cough is a common early sign of respiratory distress in pediatric patients with CF. It is essential for parents to recognize this symptom early on so that appropriate interventions and treatments can be initiated promptly. Option A) a barrel-shaped chest is associated with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) rather than CF in pediatric patients. This is not a typical early respiratory symptom seen in CF. Option C) bronchiectasis is a complication that can develop over time in patients with CF due to recurrent lung infections and inflammation. It is not one of the early respiratory symptoms that parents should expect to see. Option D) wheezing respirations are more commonly associated with conditions like asthma rather than CF in pediatric patients. While wheezing can occur in CF, it is not typically one of the earliest respiratory symptoms seen in these patients. Educationally, understanding the early respiratory symptoms of CF is crucial for parents and caregivers to monitor and manage the condition effectively. By recognizing these symptoms early, parents can work closely with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive care plan to optimize the respiratory health of their child with CF. Regular monitoring and early intervention can help improve outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients with CF.