Common causes of seizures in a neonate are:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular nursing, understanding the common causes of seizures in neonates is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer is B) Hypoglycemia. Neonates have limited glycogen stores and high metabolic demands, making them vulnerable to hypoglycemia, a common trigger for seizures due to inadequate glucose supply to the brain. Option A) Hypocalcemia can also cause seizures, but it is less common in neonates compared to hypoglycemia. Calcium plays a role in neuronal excitability, and low levels can lead to seizures, especially in older children. Option C) Pyridoxine deficiency can cause seizures, but it is more common in infants than neonates. Pyridoxine is essential for neurotransmitter function, and deficiency can lead to seizures that are often refractory to standard antiepileptic medications. Option D) Hydrocephalus can present with neurological symptoms, including seizures, but it is not one of the most common causes of seizures in neonates. Hydrocephalus is characterized by an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles, leading to increased intracranial pressure. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing hypoglycemia as a significant cause of seizures in neonates. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring blood glucose levels in at-risk neonates and promptly intervene to prevent hypoglycemia-related complications, including seizures. Understanding the differential diagnoses for neonatal seizures is essential for providing safe and effective care in pediatric cardiovascular nursing settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric cardiovascular nursing and pharmacology, understanding bronchial asthma is crucial for providing effective care to pediatric patients. The correct answer, option C, "Nocturnal cough is a recognized feature," is supported by the characteristic nocturnal worsening of asthma symptoms due to circadian variations in airway function and inflammation. This symptom is important for nurses to recognize as it can indicate poor asthma control and the need for adjustments in the patient's treatment plan, such as optimizing medication dosages or adding new medications. Option A, "Mortality has shown an increase during the past three decades," is incorrect as advancements in asthma management and education have actually contributed to a decrease in asthma-related mortality rates over the years. Nurses should be aware of this trend to provide accurate information and reassurance to patients and their families. Option B, "The incidence is greater in males than females," is incorrect as asthma prevalence is higher in females across all age groups, including pediatric patients. Nurses should be knowledgeable about this epidemiological data to provide gender-specific education and support to patients and families. Option D, "Post-RSV bronchial hyperreactivity is strongly associated with atopy," is incorrect as post-respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchial hyperreactivity is more commonly linked to recurrent wheezing rather than atopy. Nurses should understand this distinction to differentiate between different underlying causes of respiratory symptoms in pediatric patients. In an educational context, understanding these nuances in asthma presentation and associations is essential for pediatric cardiovascular nurses to deliver comprehensive care, educate patients and families, and collaborate effectively with the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes. By mastering these concepts, nurses can enhance their clinical judgment and decision-making skills in managing pediatric patients with bronchial asthma.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) It is inherited as autosomal recessive. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that follows an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance, meaning that an individual must inherit two copies of the defective gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition. This explains why CF tends to run in families and why siblings of affected individuals have a 25% chance of also having the disease. Option B) There is increased risk of bronchial carcinoma in late adulthood is incorrect because CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to complications such as chronic respiratory infections and pancreatic insufficiency. While individuals with CF do have an increased risk of respiratory issues, including bronchiectasis, the risk of bronchial carcinoma is not a common feature of the disease. Option C) Biliary cirrhosis is a recognised feature is incorrect because CF primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems, and biliary cirrhosis is not a typical manifestation of the disease. The main complications related to CF involve the lungs, pancreas, and intestines. Option D) In neonates, intestinal obstruction may be the first presentation is incorrect because while intestinal obstruction can occur in individuals with CF due to meconium ileus (a blockage in the intestines present at birth), it is not the most common initial presentation of the disease in neonates. Respiratory symptoms, such as meconium ileus equivalent, are more commonly observed in newborns with CF. Educationally, understanding the genetic basis of CF is crucial for healthcare providers working with pediatric patients. Recognizing the inheritance pattern of autosomal recessive conditions like CF can aid in genetic counseling, family education, and early detection of the disease in at-risk populations. It is essential for nurses and other healthcare professionals caring for pediatric patients to have a solid foundation in pediatric pharmacology to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), the correct answer is B) There is increased incidence of autoimmune disorders in families of affected members. This is because CVID is characterized by impaired B cell function, leading to decreased production of antibodies. This deficiency in antibody production can result in an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune disorders. Option A) B cells are totally absent is incorrect because in CVID, B cells are present but they do not function properly, leading to a reduction in antibody production. Option C) IgA levels are characteristically normal is incorrect because CVID is characterized by low levels of multiple classes of immunoglobulins, including IgA. Option D) T lymphocytes are usually affected is incorrect because CVID primarily affects B cell function and antibody production, rather than T lymphocytes. In an educational context, understanding the manifestations of CVID is important for nurses caring for pediatric patients with this condition. Recognizing the association with autoimmune disorders can guide healthcare providers in anticipating and managing potential complications in these patients. It is crucial for nurses to have a solid foundation in pediatric pharmacology to provide safe and effective care for children with complex conditions such as CVID.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a 6-week-old infant, the features mentioned in option C (biopsy specimen showing proliferation of bile ductules, periportal fibrosis, and bile lakes) are more suggestive of biliary atresia rather than neonatal hepatitis. Biliary atresia is a serious condition where there is a blockage or absence of bile ducts, leading to bile accumulation and liver damage. The biopsy findings in option C are characteristic of the changes seen in biliary atresia. Option A (hepatomegaly) and option B (prolonged INR) can be seen in both biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis, making them less specific for differentiating between the two conditions. Option D (HIDA scan revealing delayed uptake and excretion of contrast material) is also more indicative of biliary atresia due to the impaired bile flow characteristic of this condition. Understanding the distinguishing features between biliary atresia and neonatal hepatitis is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide prompt and appropriate care. Recognizing the diagnostic criteria and clinical presentation of these conditions can lead to timely interventions such as surgical correction in biliary atresia cases, improving outcomes for these vulnerable patients.