ATI RN
Pediatric Nurse Exam Sample Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
All the following can cause metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap Except:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Renal tubular acidosis. Metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body fluids. In the context of the options provided, diabetic ketoacidosis (A), salicylate poisoning (B), and renal failure (D) are all known causes of metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a complication of diabetes where the body produces excess ketones, leading to acidosis. Salicylate poisoning can cause metabolic acidosis due to the toxic effects of salicylates on the body's metabolic processes. Renal failure can also result in metabolic acidosis due to the kidneys' inability to maintain proper acid-base balance. Renal tubular acidosis, on the other hand, is a condition where the kidneys are unable to effectively acidify the urine, leading to a non-anion gap metabolic acidosis. This condition does not typically present with a high anion gap, making it the exception among the options provided. From an educational perspective, understanding the various causes of metabolic acidosis is crucial for pediatric nurses as they care for children with complex medical conditions. Recognizing the differences between conditions that can lead to acid-base imbalances allows nurses to provide appropriate interventions and monitor patients effectively to prevent complications.
Question 2 of 5
What is the procedure Look-Listen-Feel is used for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, the Look-Listen-Feel procedure is utilized to assess for breathing in a child. This sequence involves looking for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow. The correct answer is C) To assess for breathing because this technique allows the nurse to comprehensively evaluate the child's respiratory status, which is crucial in pediatric assessments due to the higher vulnerability of children to respiratory issues. Option A) To assess for responsiveness is incorrect because Look-Listen-Feel is specific to assessing breathing, not responsiveness. Option B) To assess for airway patency is incorrect as this step involves different techniques such as checking for obstructions, not the specific process of Look-Listen-Feel. Option D) To assess for circulation is incorrect because circulation assessment involves other methods like checking for pulses and skin color, not part of the Look-Listen-Feel sequence. Educationally, understanding the correct use of the Look-Listen-Feel procedure is vital for pediatric nurses as it helps them accurately and swiftly assess a child's breathing status, enabling prompt interventions if any issues are identified, thereby potentially preventing respiratory complications in pediatric patients.
Question 3 of 5
Nebulized adrenaline is indicated in which of the following conditions:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nebulized adrenaline is indicated in the treatment of croup. Croup is a common respiratory condition in children characterized by a barking cough and stridor due to upper airway inflammation, often caused by a viral infection. Nebulized adrenaline helps reduce airway swelling and improve breathing in children with croup. Anaphylactic shock (Option A) is typically treated with intramuscular adrenaline rather than nebulized adrenaline. Adrenaline is used in anaphylaxis to counteract the severe allergic reaction that can lead to airway constriction and shock. Bronchial breathing (Option B) is a term used to describe abnormal breath sounds heard on auscultation, which is not an indication for nebulized adrenaline. Bronchial breathing can be associated with conditions like pneumonia or atelectasis. Cardiac arrest (Option C) requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced cardiac life support interventions, not nebulized adrenaline. In cardiac arrest, the priority is to restore circulation through chest compressions and defibrillation. Educationally, understanding the appropriate use of nebulized adrenaline in croup is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide effective care for children with respiratory distress. It is important for nurses to be knowledgeable about the indications, contraindications, and appropriate interventions for various pediatric conditions to deliver safe and evidence-based care.
Question 4 of 5
Reticulocytic count is expected to be low in one of the following conditions:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is option B) Aplastic anemia. In aplastic anemia, there is a decrease in the production of red blood cells, including reticulocytes which are immature red blood cells. This leads to a low reticulocytic count as the bone marrow is not able to generate enough new red blood cells. Option A) Acute hemorrhage would typically result in a high reticulocytic count as the body tries to compensate for the blood loss by producing more red blood cells. Option C) Sickle cell disease and option D) Hereditary spherocytosis are both conditions characterized by abnormal shapes or structures of red blood cells but do not directly affect the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, so they would not cause a low reticulocytic count. Educationally, understanding the relationship between different conditions and their impact on blood cell production is crucial for pediatric nurses. Recognizing patterns in lab results can aid in diagnosing and managing various pediatric hematologic disorders effectively. It is essential for nurses to interpret laboratory values accurately to provide appropriate care and interventions for their pediatric patients.
Question 5 of 5
In pediatric shock, which of the following is a cause of obstructive shock?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric shock, obstructive shock occurs due to mechanical obstruction to blood flow. The correct answer is C) Severe aortic stenosis because it leads to obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle, causing decreased cardiac output and subsequent shock. Option A) Myocardial infarction is incorrect because it typically leads to distributive shock due to systemic vasodilation. Option B) Myocarditis is incorrect as it causes cardiogenic shock due to myocardial dysfunction rather than mechanical obstruction. Option D) Severe mitral regurgitation is incorrect as it causes cardiogenic shock by decreasing forward blood flow, not by obstructing blood flow. Understanding the etiology of different types of shock in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses to provide timely and appropriate interventions. Recognizing the specific causes of obstructive shock can help nurses implement targeted treatments such as inotropic support or surgical interventions to alleviate the obstruction and improve cardiac output. This knowledge is essential for pediatric nurses to effectively manage critically ill children and optimize patient outcomes.