ATI RN
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A -week-old infant is brought to the emergency room in coma with retinal hemorrhages and severe pallor He was born at home and was first seen by a physician at days of age and placed on amoxicillin for otitis media His diet is breast milk Diagnostic tests should include all of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) lumbar puncture. In this case, the infant presents with symptoms suggestive of non-accidental trauma, such as retinal hemorrhages and severe pallor, which indicate a need for further investigation into possible bleeding disorders or coagulopathies. Coagulation studies would help in assessing the infant's clotting ability in this context. Option A) coagulation studies is relevant due to the presentation of retinal hemorrhages and pallor, which may indicate a bleeding disorder. Option B) skeletal survey is important to rule out any skeletal injuries that may suggest non-accidental trauma. Option C) CT scan may be needed to assess for any intracranial injuries or abnormalities. In a pediatric clinical setting, it is crucial to consider child abuse or non-accidental trauma as a differential diagnosis when presented with certain findings. Understanding the significance of each diagnostic test in the context of the clinical presentation is essential for a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients.
Question 2 of 5
On the second day of life, the patient in Questions and experiences bradycardia and hypotension with cyanosis and a metabolic acidosis Likely diagnoses include (may choose more than one)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Hypoglycemia. Newborns are particularly vulnerable to hypoglycemia due to their limited glycogen stores and high metabolic demands. Hypoglycemia can lead to bradycardia, hypotension, cyanosis, and metabolic acidosis, which align with the patient's symptoms. Option A) Subcapsular hepatic hematoma is less likely as it typically presents with abdominal distension, not the cardiovascular and metabolic symptoms described. Option B) Intraventricular hemorrhage is unlikely in this case as it presents with neurological symptoms like seizures or altered mental status, rather than the cardiovascular and metabolic issues seen here. Option C) Pneumomediastinum would not typically cause bradycardia, hypotension, and cyanosis with metabolic acidosis in a newborn. Understanding the pathophysiology of common conditions in newborns is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia, especially in the first days of life, is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications. This knowledge ensures the best outcomes for newborn patients and highlights the importance of thorough assessment and critical thinking skills in pediatric nursing practice.
Question 3 of 5
Infants at risk for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia include all of the following EXCEPT
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Infants with galactosemia. Infants with galactosemia are not at risk for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia because this metabolic disorder affects the body's ability to metabolize galactose, a sugar found in milk. Galactosemia leads to the accumulation of toxic substances in the body, but it does not typically cause hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. A) Infants with nesidioblastosis are at risk for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Nesidioblastosis is a rare condition where there is excessive proliferation of pancreatic beta cells leading to hyperinsulinemia and hypoglycemia. B) Infants of diabetic mothers are at risk for hypoglycemia due to hyperinsulinemia resulting from exposure to high maternal glucose levels in utero. D) Infants with leucine sensitivity with hyperammonemia are at risk for metabolic disorders like organic acidemias or urea cycle disorders, which can lead to hyperammonemia but not necessarily hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. Educationally, understanding the specific risk factors for hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in infants is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists to provide effective care and management for these vulnerable patients. Recognizing the nuances of different metabolic disorders and their implications on glucose metabolism is essential in ensuring optimal outcomes for infants at risk for hypoglycemia.
Question 4 of 5
What is the most appropriate diagnosis for a 7-year-old boy with recurrent motor movements?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate diagnosis for a 7-year-old boy with recurrent motor movements is Persistent Tic Disorder (option C). Persistent Tic Disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more motor or vocal tics, which are sudden, rapid, nonrhythmic movements or sounds. These tics must be present for at least a year in order to fulfill the diagnostic criteria. Option A, Tourette's Disorder, would not be the most appropriate diagnosis in this case because Tourette's Disorder involves the presence of both motor and vocal tics for at least a year. Since the scenario only mentions recurrent motor movements, Tourette's Disorder is not the best fit. Option B, Provisional Tic Disorder, is a provisional diagnosis given when tics have been present for less than a year. In the case of the 7-year-old boy with recurrent motor movements, if the tics have been present for over a year, Provisional Tic Disorder would not be the correct diagnosis. Option D, Sydenham Chorea, is a neurological disorder that is characterized by rapid, uncoordinated jerking movements affecting primarily the face, feet, and hands. This condition is typically associated with rheumatic fever and is not the most appropriate diagnosis for a child presenting with recurrent motor movements consistent with Persistent Tic Disorder. In an educational context, understanding the differences between these diagnoses is crucial for healthcare providers, especially pediatric clinical nurse specialists, to accurately assess and diagnose children presenting with motor movements. Proper diagnosis leads to appropriate interventions and support for the child and their family. It also underscores the importance of thorough assessment and consideration of diagnostic criteria in pediatric care.
Question 5 of 5
For a 5-year-old child with breath-holding spells, which response/advice is NOT true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Order MRI brain. Breath-holding spells in children are typically benign and are often a response to frustration or pain, rather than a neurological issue. Ordering an MRI brain for a child with breath-holding spells would be an unnecessary and potentially invasive procedure, as these spells are usually a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own as the child grows. Option A) Reassurance and behavioral instruction is the recommended approach for managing breath-holding spells in children. Providing reassurance to the child and parents, along with teaching behavioral techniques to help the child cope with emotions, is the most appropriate intervention. Option C) Ordering an EEG is also not typically indicated for breath-holding spells, as they are not usually associated with abnormal brain activity. EEG is more commonly used to evaluate seizures or other neurological conditions characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Option D) Neurological consultation may be considered if there are atypical features present or if the spells are associated with other concerning symptoms. However, in the majority of cases, breath-holding spells do not require neurological consultation as they are a common and benign phenomenon in young children. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers, especially pediatric nurses, to have a good understanding of common childhood conditions like breath-holding spells. By knowing the appropriate management strategies and when further evaluation is warranted, nurses can provide optimal care for pediatric patients and their families.