ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Certification Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
All the following are manifestations of early shock in an infant Except:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, recognizing early signs of shock in infants is crucial for timely intervention and preventing further deterioration. In this question, the correct answer is A) Hypotension. Hypotension is not typically an early manifestation of shock in infants. Infants can often maintain their blood pressure until shock progresses to a more severe stage. Therefore, the absence of hypotension indicates early shock. Option B) Irritability is a common early sign of shock in infants. They may become fussy, agitated, or have changes in their usual behavior. Option C) Peripheral vasoconstriction is a characteristic feature of shock, where the body tries to shunt blood to vital organs. It is typically seen in the early stages of shock. Option D) Tachycardia is a common early sign of shock in infants. The body compensates for decreased cardiac output by increasing heart rate. Educationally, understanding the nuances of shock presentation in infants is vital for nurses caring for pediatric patients. By recognizing early signs and symptoms, nurses can initiate prompt interventions to stabilize the infant's condition and prevent further deterioration. Remembering that hypotension is a late sign of shock in infants helps guide clinical assessment and decision-making in a pediatric setting.
Question 2 of 5
Early sign of shock is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, recognizing the early signs of shock is crucial for timely intervention. The correct answer is D) Tachycardia. In pediatric patients, tachycardia is often one of the earliest signs of shock. When the body is in a state of shock, the heart rate increases as a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate tissue perfusion. Therefore, identifying tachycardia early can help healthcare providers intervene promptly to prevent further deterioration. Option A) Hypotension is a late sign of shock in pediatric patients. Children can maintain their blood pressure until shock is quite advanced, making hypotension a less reliable early indicator compared to tachycardia. Option B) Disturbed consciousness level is a significant finding in shock, but it usually occurs in the later stages when the brain is deprived of adequate perfusion. Option C) Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a pattern of breathing characterized by alternating periods of deep, rapid breathing followed by periods of apnea. While it can be seen in some cases of shock, it is not as specific or early of a sign as tachycardia in pediatric patients. For educational context, understanding the progression of shock symptoms in pediatric patients is essential for nurses caring for this vulnerable population. By knowing the early signs like tachycardia, nurses can initiate appropriate interventions promptly, potentially preventing further deterioration and improving outcomes for pediatric patients in shock.
Question 3 of 5
One of the following metabolic abnormalities may be associated with tumor lysis syndrome:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially life-threatening oncologic emergency characterized by the rapid release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream following cancer treatment. One of the metabolic abnormalities associated with TLS is hyperkalemia, making option B the correct answer. Hyperkalemia occurs in TLS due to the release of potassium from lysed tumor cells, overwhelming the body's ability to excrete it. This can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias and other complications if not promptly managed. The other options - hypernatremia (A), hypokalemia (C), and hyponatremia (D) - are not typically associated with tumor lysis syndrome. Hypernatremia and hyponatremia involve disturbances in sodium levels, while hypokalemia is a low potassium level, which is the opposite of what is expected in TLS. In an educational context, understanding the metabolic abnormalities associated with tumor lysis syndrome is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric oncology patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of TLS, including hyperkalemia, allows for early intervention and prevention of severe complications. Nurses play a vital role in monitoring patients undergoing cancer treatment for TLS and must be knowledgeable about the potential metabolic disturbances that may arise.
Question 4 of 5
In hereditary spherocytosis, one of the following is false:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In hereditary spherocytosis, the correct answer is C) Autosomal recessive. This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means that one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. Therefore, the presence of a single altered gene is enough to manifest the condition. Option A) Splenectomy is the treatment of choice: While splenectomy is a common treatment for hereditary spherocytosis to alleviate symptoms, it is not the only treatment option. Folic acid supplementation and supportive care are also important in managing the condition. Option B) Gallstones are common: Gallstones are indeed common in individuals with hereditary spherocytosis due to the increased breakdown of red blood cells leading to bilirubin accumulation. This can result in the formation of gallstones, which may require intervention. Option D) Can be presented in neonates: Hereditary spherocytosis can indeed present in neonates, with symptoms such as anemia and jaundice becoming apparent early in life. It is crucial for healthcare providers to be aware of this possibility to provide timely diagnosis and management. Educational context: Understanding the genetic inheritance pattern of hereditary spherocytosis is essential for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients. Recognizing the false statement in this question helps reinforce the knowledge of autosomal dominant inheritance in hereditary spherocytosis, while also highlighting key aspects of its presentation and management. This information is vital for nurses specializing in pediatric care to deliver comprehensive and effective patient care.
Question 5 of 5
One of the following can cause thrombocytopenia with decreased megakaryocytes in bone marrow:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Aplastic anemia. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, with decreased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow is a characteristic finding in aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells, including platelets. This leads to a reduction in platelet count and megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) is a condition where the immune system destroys platelets, leading to thrombocytopenia. However, it is not associated with decreased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. C) Hypersplenism is a condition where the spleen prematurely destroys blood cells, including platelets. While it can cause thrombocytopenia, it does not present with decreased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. D) DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) is a condition characterized by widespread activation of coagulation pathways, leading to both bleeding and clotting. While DIC can lead to thrombocytopenia, it does not specifically cause decreased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. In an educational context, understanding the causes of thrombocytopenia and their associated bone marrow findings is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Aplastic anemia is a serious condition that requires prompt recognition and intervention to prevent complications. By differentiating between various causes of thrombocytopenia, nurses can provide optimal care and support to pediatric patients with hematologic disorders.