ATI RN
Pediatric Cardiovascular Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
An adolescent who sustained a tibia fracture in a motor vehicle accident has a cast. What should the nurse do to help relieve the itching?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is A) Apply cool air under the cast with a blow-dryer. Itching under a cast is a common complaint, and applying cool air can help relieve the sensation without compromising the cast or skin integrity. Using a blow-dryer on the cool setting can help alleviate itching without introducing moisture, which could lead to skin breakdown or infection. Option B) Using sterile applicators to scratch the itch is incorrect as it can damage the skin under the cast, leading to potential complications such as infection or injury. Option C) Applying cool water under the cast is not recommended as it can introduce moisture, potentially leading to skin maceration and breakdown, increasing the risk of infection. Option D) Applying hydrocortisone cream under the cast using a sterile applicator is not advised as it can also introduce moisture and may not effectively relieve the itching sensation in this scenario. Educational Context: It is essential for nurses working in pediatric cardiovascular nursing to be knowledgeable about proper cast care, especially when dealing with itching, a common issue among pediatric patients. Understanding the appropriate interventions to relieve itching while maintaining the integrity of the cast and the patient's skin is crucial for promoting optimal healing and preventing complications. Nurses play a vital role in educating patients and families on safe and effective methods to address common concerns like itching under a cast, ensuring positive outcomes for their patients.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse explained how to position an infant with tetralogy of Fallot if the infant suddenly becomes cyanotic. Which statement by the father leads the nurse to determine he understood the instructions?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A: "If the baby turns blue, I will hold him against my shoulder with his knees bent up toward his chest." This response demonstrates understanding because holding the infant in a position that promotes chest expansion can help improve blood flow and oxygenation. Option B is incorrect because laying the baby down on a firm surface with the head lower than the body can further compromise oxygenation by reducing blood flow to the heart and brain. Option C is not ideal as placing the baby upright in an infant seat may not facilitate optimal chest expansion and can restrict respiratory effort. Option D is also incorrect as putting the baby in a supine position with the head elevated may not be as effective as positioning the infant with knees bent up to the chest for improving oxygenation in tetralogy of Fallot. Educationally, understanding the correct positioning for an infant with tetralogy of Fallot during a cyanotic spell is crucial for parents and caregivers to effectively manage such situations and optimize the infant's outcomes. It is essential to provide clear and accurate information to parents to empower them in caring for their child with a congenital heart condition.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a child with acute otitis media. Which finding should the nurse expect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) A bulging, red tympanic membrane. This finding is indicative of acute otitis media, which is an infection of the middle ear commonly seen in children. A bulging, red tympanic membrane suggests inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, characteristic of this condition. Option A) Bilateral eye discharge and fever is more indicative of conjunctivitis or an eye infection, not acute otitis media. Option C) Nasal congestion and headache are more commonly associated with upper respiratory infections like the common cold, sinusitis, or allergies. Option D) Persistent cough and sore throat are symptoms seen in conditions such as pharyngitis or bronchitis, but not typically in acute otitis media. Educationally, it is important for nurses to be able to recognize key clinical manifestations associated with different pediatric conditions to provide appropriate care and interventions. Understanding the specific signs and symptoms of acute otitis media can aid in accurate assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children presenting with ear pain and related complaints. This knowledge is crucial for pediatric nurses who frequently encounter children with ear infections in clinical practice.
Question 4 of 5
A 4-year-old child presents to the clinic with a history of persistent dry cough and wheezing. What is the nurse’s primary concern?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's primary concern should be option B) Asthma exacerbation. Asthma is a common condition in children characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. The history of persistent dry cough and wheezing in the 4-year-old child suggests an exacerbation of asthma. Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by various factors such as allergens, respiratory infections, exercise, or exposure to irritants. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize and address asthma exacerbations promptly to prevent further respiratory distress and complications in the child. Regarding why the other options are incorrect: A) Allergic reaction: While allergies can also present with cough and wheezing, the persistent nature of the symptoms in this case is more indicative of asthma exacerbation. C) Respiratory infection: Though respiratory infections can cause similar symptoms, the history of persistent symptoms without signs of acute infection makes this less likely. D) Acute bronchiolitis: While bronchiolitis can present with wheezing in young children, the child's age of 4 years and the history of persistent symptoms are more consistent with asthma exacerbation. Educational context: Understanding the differences between asthma exacerbation and other respiratory conditions is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide appropriate care. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of asthma exacerbation, differentiating it from other conditions, and knowing how to manage it effectively are essential skills for nurses caring for pediatric patients with respiratory issues. Early recognition and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with asthma.
Question 5 of 5
A pediatric patient is scheduled for a noninvasive procedure to determine if his heart is structurally normal and to localize a murmur. What diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic test commonly used in pediatric patients to evaluate the structure and function of the heart. It utilizes sound waves to create a detailed image of the heart, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the heart chambers, valves, and blood flow patterns. Option A) Barium swallow is used to examine the esophagus and how it functions, not for evaluating the heart. Option B) Chest x-ray provides information on the size, shape, and position of the heart and lungs, but it does not offer the detailed cardiac structural information provided by an echocardiogram. Option C) Electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical activity of the heart and is valuable in assessing rhythm abnormalities, but it does not provide detailed structural information like an echocardiogram. Understanding the appropriate diagnostic tests for pediatric cardiovascular assessment is crucial for pediatric nurses to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment. Echocardiography plays a pivotal role in identifying structural heart defects, assessing cardiac function, and localizing murmurs in pediatric patients. By grasping the significance of each diagnostic modality, nurses can effectively contribute to the care and management of pediatric patients with cardiovascular conditions.