ATI RN
ATI Pediatric Proctored Exam Questions
Question 1 of 5
A young child admitted to the pediatric unit has fever, irritability, and vomiting with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) result should the nurse anticipate based on these data?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a young child with suspected bacterial meningitis presenting with fever, irritability, and vomiting, the nurse should anticipate a decreased glucose level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is because bacterial meningitis causes an inflammatory response in the central nervous system, leading to increased consumption of glucose by the infecting organisms and inflammatory cells. A decreased CSF glucose level is a hallmark finding in bacterial meningitis and indicates the presence of an infectious process. Option A: Decreased protein count is not the expected finding in bacterial meningitis. In fact, bacterial meningitis typically presents with an elevated protein count in the CSF due to the inflammatory response. Option B: Clear, straw-colored fluid is not indicative of bacterial meningitis. In meningitis, the CSF is typically cloudy due to the presence of increased white blood cells and protein. Option C: A positive for red blood cells (RBCs) is not a characteristic finding in bacterial meningitis. The presence of RBCs in the CSF may suggest a traumatic tap rather than an infectious process. Educationally, understanding the expected CSF findings in bacterial meningitis is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing these key diagnostic indicators can help in prompt identification and treatment of this potentially life-threatening condition. Nurses must be knowledgeable about interpreting CSF results and understand the implications for patient care and management.
Question 2 of 5
When the home health nurse visits the home of a 10-month-old child, she observes the environment for risks of injury to the child. Which observation will the nurse discuss with the mother?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because leaving a filled mop bucket on the floor poses a drowning hazard for a 10-month-old child. Water in the bucket can be a potential drowning risk if the child falls into it. Pan handles turned to the back of the stove prevent accidental spills or burns. Filling the bathtub before bringing the baby into the bathroom helps in preventing burns from hot water. Placing the child in a car seat in the middle of the back seat provides safety by minimizing the risk of injury during a car ride.
Question 3 of 5
Which clinical manifestations should the nurse anticipate upon assessment for a preschool-age child with a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, the ability to recognize clinical manifestations of common conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) is crucial for providing timely and effective care. For a preschool-age child with a UTI, the nurse should anticipate symptoms such as urgency, dysuria, and fever, which are indicative of lower urinary tract involvement in this age group. Option A is incorrect because headache, hematuria, and vertigo are not typical symptoms of a UTI in a preschool-age child. Option B is also incorrect as foul-smelling urine and elevated blood pressure are not commonly associated with UTIs in this population. Option D is incorrect as severe flank pain, nausea, and headache are more indicative of conditions like kidney stones rather than a UTI in preschool-age children. Educationally, understanding the age-specific clinical manifestations of UTIs in pediatric patients helps nurses differentiate between various conditions, prioritize care interventions, and promote positive outcomes through early detection and treatment. By choosing option C, the nurse demonstrates knowledge of age-appropriate UTI symptoms and can initiate appropriate interventions promptly to address the child's condition effectively.
Question 4 of 5
Which assessment finding, after the dialysate is drained during peritoneal dialysis for a child experiencing acute renal failure, would warrant further action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A lower volume of drained dialysate compared to the volume infused suggests a possible obstruction or malfunction in the dialysis process. This finding could compromise the effectiveness of the treatment and needs prompt assessment and intervention by the nurse to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse provides dietary teaching to the guardian of a school-age child with cystic fibrosis. Which statement should the nurse make?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct statement for the nurse to make is option A: "You should offer your child high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day." This statement is appropriate for a child with cystic fibrosis because they often have increased energy needs due to the disease's impact on digestion and nutrient absorption. Option B is incorrect because dietary fat is an essential nutrient for children with cystic fibrosis, as it provides a concentrated source of calories that can help meet their increased energy requirements. Restricting fat intake to less than 10% of caloric intake would not be beneficial for a child with this condition. Option C is also incorrect as restricting calorie intake to 1,200 per day may not meet the increased energy needs of a child with cystic fibrosis, potentially leading to inadequate growth and development. Option D is incorrect because giving a multivitamin once weekly does not address the specific nutritional needs of a child with cystic fibrosis, which often include increased protein and caloric intake to support growth and weight maintenance. In the context of pediatric nursing, it is crucial for nurses to provide accurate and individualized dietary education to children with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis to support their overall health and well-being. Understanding the specific nutritional needs of these children is essential for optimizing their growth and managing their condition effectively.