Anaphylactic shock is characterized by which of the following:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Anaphylactic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate recognition and intervention. The correct answer is B) Decreased systemic vascular resistance. In anaphylactic shock, there is a widespread vasodilation leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance. This results in a rapid drop in blood pressure and impaired tissue perfusion, which can lead to organ damage and failure. Option A) Airway obstruction is a common feature of anaphylactic shock but is not the defining characteristic. While airway obstruction can occur due to swelling of the airways, it is not the primary mechanism of anaphylactic shock. Option C) Generalized vasoconstriction is incorrect as anaphylactic shock is characterized by vasodilation rather than vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction would increase vascular resistance, not decrease it as seen in anaphylactic shock. Option D) Hypovolemia is also incorrect as anaphylactic shock is not primarily due to a decrease in blood volume. It is more related to the systemic vasodilation and increased vascular permeability leading to fluid shifting into tissues rather than hypovolemia. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology of anaphylactic shock is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, including the decrease in systemic vascular resistance, can help nurses initiate prompt treatment such as administering epinephrine and maintaining airway patency. This knowledge is essential for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients experiencing anaphylactic shock.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the treatment of metabolic acidosis, the expected change in serum potassium level is that it will drop. This is because in metabolic acidosis, there is an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to an intracellular shift of potassium ions in exchange for hydrogen ions. As the acidosis is corrected, the excess hydrogen ions are eliminated, causing potassium ions to shift back into the cells, resulting in a decrease in serum potassium levels. Option B, stating that serum potassium will initially drop then rise, is incorrect because the primary correction of metabolic acidosis involves the movement of potassium back into the cells, leading to a decrease in serum levels overall. Option C, suggesting that serum potassium will initially rise then drop, is inaccurate as the correction of metabolic acidosis does not typically lead to an initial increase in serum potassium levels. Instead, the correction process involves the movement of potassium back into the cells, causing serum levels to decrease. Option D, stating that serum potassium will remain the same, is also incorrect because the correction of metabolic acidosis involves an exchange of ions that will lead to a decrease in serum potassium levels as acidosis is treated. Understanding the expected changes in serum electrolyte levels during metabolic disturbances is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers caring for pediatric patients. It helps in assessing and managing the patient's condition effectively, preventing potential complications related to electrolyte imbalances. Remembering the relationship between acid-base balance and electrolytes is essential in providing safe and competent care to pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for assessing a child's health status. The appropriate cuff width for measuring arterial blood pressure in a child is essential to obtain accurate readings. In this scenario, with a mid-arm circumference of 15 cm, the correct cuff width would be 6 cm (Option C). The correct answer is C (6 cm) because the cuff width should be approximately 40% of the mid-arm circumference. For a mid-arm circumference of 15 cm, a cuff width of 6 cm aligns with this guideline and ensures an accurate blood pressure reading without compressing or constricting the arm excessively. Option A (3 cm) is too narrow for a mid-arm circumference of 15 cm, which can lead to falsely high blood pressure readings due to excessive compression of the artery. Option B (4.5 cm) is also narrower than the recommended 40% cuff width guideline. Option D (7.5 cm) is too wide and may result in inaccurate readings as the cuff would be too loose on the arm. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the relationship between cuff width and mid-arm circumference in pediatric blood pressure measurement. This knowledge ensures accurate assessment and monitoring of a child's cardiovascular health, preventing potential complications from incorrect readings. Practicing with scenarios like this helps students apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of a pediatric NCLEX practice quiz, understanding the interpretation of oxygen saturation levels is crucial for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients. An oxygen saturation of 90% indicates that ninety percent of hemoglobin molecules are carrying oxygen. This is the correct answer (B) because oxygen saturation measures the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream that are carrying oxygen. A saturation level of 90% is within the normal range for oxygen saturation in a healthy individual, indicating adequate oxygenation of tissues. Option A, stating that the PaO2 is 90 mmHg, is incorrect because PaO2 refers to the partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood, not the oxygen saturation level. These are two different measures of oxygen in the blood. Option C, suggesting the child is breathing 90% oxygen, is incorrect because an oxygen saturation of 90% does not necessarily mean the child is breathing 90% oxygen. Oxygen saturation reflects how much of the available hemoglobin is bound to oxygen, not the concentration of oxygen being breathed. Option D, claiming that you cannot give more than 10% oxygen, is incorrect as it misinterprets the concept of oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation levels can range from 0% to 100%, and values in the 90% range are considered normal for healthy individuals. Educationally, understanding the significance of oxygen saturation levels is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients, as it helps in assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery to tissues. Knowing how to interpret oxygen saturation values accurately can guide clinical decision-making and interventions to optimize oxygenation in pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is option B: Marked tachypnea with recessions. This sign is not typically associated with circulatory failure in pediatric patients. Marked tachypnea with recessions is more indicative of respiratory distress rather than circulatory failure. Circulatory failure is more commonly associated with signs such as cyanosis despite supplied O2 (option A), gallop rhythm/murmur (option C), and an enlarged tender liver (option D). In educational context, it is crucial for nursing students preparing for the Pediatric NCLEX exam to understand the nuances of different signs and symptoms associated with circulatory and respiratory issues in pediatric patients. Recognizing these distinctions is vital for accurate assessment, diagnosis, and timely intervention in clinical practice. Understanding these subtle differences can help students provide appropriate care and improve patient outcomes.