An 18-month-old manifests pendular nystagmus, head nodding, and torticollis. Findings on a cranial MRI scan are normal.

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Pediatric HEENT Disorders NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 4

An 18-month-old manifests pendular nystagmus, head nodding, and torticollis. Findings on a cranial MRI scan are normal.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) spasmus nutans. Spasmus nutans is a benign disorder commonly seen in infants and young children, characterized by pendular nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), head nodding, and torticollis (abnormal neck posture). The key feature of spasmus nutans is that it typically presents with normal findings on neuroimaging studies, which was the case in this question with the normal cranial MRI scan. Option A) epilepsy is incorrect because the symptoms described do not align with the typical presentation of epilepsy in pediatric patients. Epilepsy typically presents with seizures, altered consciousness, and abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Option B) congenital blindness is incorrect as it does not explain the combination of symptoms described in the question. Congenital blindness would not directly cause pendular nystagmus, head nodding, and torticollis. Option C) neuroblastoma is also incorrect as it is a type of cancer that arises from immature nerve cells, typically presenting with symptoms related to the site of the tumor rather than the combination of symptoms described in the question. Educationally, understanding the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings of common pediatric disorders like spasmus nutans is crucial for healthcare professionals working with children. Recognizing benign conditions like spasmus nutans can prevent unnecessary interventions and anxiety for both the child and their caregivers. This case highlights the importance of considering benign causes of symptoms in pediatric patients and the role of diagnostic imaging in ruling out more serious conditions.

Question 2 of 4

Which is the most common cause of aniridia?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) Inheritance as an autosomal dominant trait. Aniridia is a genetic disorder characterized by the absence of the iris in the eye. It is most commonly caused by a mutation in the PAX6 gene, which is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This means that an affected individual has a 50% chance of passing on the gene to each offspring. Option A) Trauma is incorrect because aniridia is not typically caused by physical injury to the eye. Option B) Congenital infection is incorrect as aniridia is not associated with infections during pregnancy. Option C) Wilms tumor is incorrect as it is a type of kidney cancer found in children and is not related to aniridia. In an educational context, understanding the genetic basis of aniridia is crucial for healthcare providers caring for pediatric patients with this condition. Recognizing that aniridia is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait can help in providing genetic counseling to families and in managing the ocular and systemic complications associated with this disorder. It also emphasizes the importance of a thorough family history assessment in diagnosing and managing pediatric HEENT disorders.

Question 3 of 4

Which is not true of ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question about ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, the correct answer is D) Recommended treatment is cefotaxime or ceftriaxone. The correct answer is right because the recommended treatment for ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis is topical erythromycin ointment, not cefotaxime or ceftriaxone. These antibiotics are not effective against Chlamydia trachomatis. Option A is incorrect because conjunctivitis usually develops within 5-14 days of age in infants with ophthalmia neonatorum caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. Option B is incorrect because Chlamydial conjunctivitis can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as corneal scarring and chronic conjunctivitis. Option C is incorrect because ten to 20% of infants exposed to Chlamydia trachomatis can develop pneumonia, not just conjunctivitis. Educationally, understanding the correct treatment for ophthalmia neonatorum is crucial for pediatric nurses and healthcare providers to provide appropriate care and prevent complications in newborns. It is essential to differentiate between the treatment options to ensure optimal management of neonatal eye infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.

Question 4 of 4

A 1-year-old child presents with increased size of the cornea. Review of systems reveals history of increased tearing and apparent sensitivity to light. The cornea appears cloudy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Glaucoma. In pediatric patients, glaucoma can present with symptoms such as increased corneal size, cloudy cornea, increased tearing, and sensitivity to light, which are all indicative of elevated intraocular pressure. Glaucoma in children can be primary or secondary to other conditions. Timely recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent permanent vision loss in pediatric patients. Option A) Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumor of the retina that typically presents with leukocoria (white pupil reflex) or strabismus, not corneal enlargement. Option C) Chorioretinitis is inflammation of the choroid and retina, which may present with symptoms like floaters, decreased vision, and pain, but not corneal enlargement. Option D) Aniridia is a congenital condition characterized by partial or complete absence of the iris, leading to photophobia and decreased visual acuity, but not corneal enlargement. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of pediatric HEENT disorders, including glaucoma, is essential for nurses and healthcare providers caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing these conditions promptly through comprehensive assessments can lead to early intervention and improved outcomes for children with vision-related issues.

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