Approximately 90% of youths who complete suicide have a preexisting psychiatric illness. Of the following, the MOST commonly encountered illness is

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing and mental health, understanding the relationship between psychiatric illnesses and suicide risk is crucial. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) major depression. Major depression is the most commonly encountered psychiatric illness in youths who complete suicide. This is because major depression is often characterized by intense feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and despair, which can significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (option B) are less commonly associated with completed suicide in youths compared to major depression. While individuals with schizophrenia may experience significant distress and impairment in functioning, the risk of suicide in this population is not as high as in those with major depression. Conduct disorder (option C) is a disruptive behavior disorder characterized by aggression, defiance, and disregard for rules and the rights of others. While conduct disorder is a risk factor for various negative outcomes, including substance abuse and criminal behavior, it is not as strongly linked to completed suicide as major depression. Chronic anxiety (option D) is characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and anxiety. While anxiety disorders can significantly impact a child's quality of life and functioning, they are not typically associated with completed suicide to the same extent as major depression. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the significant impact of psychiatric illnesses on suicide risk in youths. By understanding the most commonly encountered psychiatric illness in youths who complete suicide, pediatric nurses can better assess, intervene, and support at-risk individuals. This knowledge underscores the need for comprehensive mental health assessments and targeted interventions to address the unique needs of each patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the association between polyhydramnios and various conditions is crucial for providing comprehensive care. In this case, the correct answer is D) intestinal pseudo-obstruction. Polyhydramnios is an excess of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus in the womb. It can be caused by fetal inability to swallow amniotic fluid, as seen in intestinal pseudo-obstruction. This condition impairs the normal peristalsis of the intestines, leading to a build-up of amniotic fluid. Option A) renal agenesis (Potter syndrome) is associated with oligohydramnios, a decreased amount of amniotic fluid due to renal abnormalities. Option B) Prune-belly syndrome is not typically linked to polyhydramnios but rather presents with a triad of abdominal muscle deficiency, urinary tract anomalies, and undescended testes. Option C) pulmonary hypoplasia is more commonly associated with oligohydramnios due to inadequate fetal lung development in reduced amniotic fluid environments. Educationally, linking polyhydramnios to specific conditions enhances diagnostic reasoning skills and informs appropriate nursing interventions. Understanding these associations aids in early identification of potential complications and facilitates a holistic approach to pediatric patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the etiology of seizures in neonates is crucial for timely and appropriate intervention. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. When a newborn experiences a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during birth or shortly thereafter, it can result in brain injury leading to seizures. This condition is a common cause of neonatal seizures, making option A the correct choice. Option B) unintentional injection of maternal local anesthetic into the fetus is unlikely to cause seizures in the neonate as local anesthetics have a minimal effect on the central nervous system of the fetus. Option C) intracranial hemorrhage may cause seizures in neonates, but typically the onset would be delayed rather than immediately after birth. Option D) hypoglycemia is another potential cause of seizures in neonates, but seizures related to hypoglycemia usually occur later in the neonatal period rather than immediately after birth. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing common causes of neonatal seizures, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and underscores the need for prompt assessment and intervention in neonatal care to prevent adverse outcomes related to seizures and underlying conditions. Nurses caring for neonates must be knowledgeable about the various causes of seizures and be prepared to respond swiftly to provide optimal care for these vulnerable patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, the administration of antenatal corticosteroids to women between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation is a crucial intervention aimed at promoting fetal lung maturity and reducing the incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants. The correct answer, B) postnatal growth, is the exception because antenatal corticosteroids primarily impact lung development and function rather than postnatal growth parameters. The administration of corticosteroids does not directly influence postnatal growth outcomes in premature infants. Option A) incidence and mortality of RDS is impacted positively by antenatal corticosteroids as they aid in reducing respiratory complications. Option C) the overall neonatal mortality is reduced as a result of decreased incidence of RDS and other complications. Option D) need for and duration of ventilatory support is also decreased due to the improved lung function resulting from antenatal corticosteroid administration. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind administering antenatal corticosteroids can help pediatric nursing students grasp the importance of evidence-based interventions in improving neonatal outcomes. It underscores the significance of this intervention in reducing respiratory morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, thereby emphasizing the holistic care approach in neonatal nursing practice.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding predisposing factors for conditions like persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is crucial for providing effective care. In this case, the correct answer is option A) anemia. Anemia is not a typical predisposing factor for PPHN. PPHN is primarily associated with respiratory distress, and factors such as meconium aspiration syndrome, early-onset sepsis, and birth asphyxia are more commonly linked to this condition. Meconium aspiration syndrome occurs when a newborn inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, leading to respiratory issues. Early-onset sepsis can cause systemic inflammation, affecting the pulmonary vasculature. Birth asphyxia, which involves oxygen deprivation during birth, can impact lung function and contribute to PPHN. Understanding these predisposing factors is crucial for nurses caring for newborns at risk for PPHN. By recognizing these associations, nurses can provide early interventions, closely monitor at-risk infants, and collaborate with the healthcare team to optimize outcomes for these vulnerable patients. This knowledge underscores the importance of thorough assessment, prompt recognition of risk factors, and timely interventions in pediatric nursing practice.