ATI RN
Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Compartment syndrome is a potential complication of elbow fractures that decreases circulation to local neuromuscular structures. The nurse monitors circulation on a casted elbow because irreversible damage can develop if compartment syndrome lasts for more than:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that results from increased pressure within a closed anatomical space (compartment), leading to decreased circulation to local neuromuscular structures. In the case of a casted elbow, if compartment syndrome is left untreated and persists for more than 24 hours, irreversible damage can occur. This is due to the compromised blood flow causing tissue ischemia, which can lead to permanent nerve and muscle damage. Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor for signs and symptoms of compartment syndrome and intervene promptly to prevent long-term complications.
Question 2 of 5
A 61-year old female patient with diabetes is in the emergency department after stepping on a sharp onject while walking barefoot on the beach. The patient did not notice that the object pierced the skin unitl later that evening. What problem does she probably have?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The patient's presentation of stepping on a sharp object and not noticing the injury until later is suggestive of peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of long-standing diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy can decrease sensation in the feet, making the patient more susceptible to injuries. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves throughout the body, particularly those in the extremities. This can result in decreased sensation and poor wound healing, putting the patient at risk for injuries like stepping on a sharp object without feeling it. Therefore, the likely problem the patient has is neuropathy affecting her peripheral nerves.
Question 3 of 5
Marichu is admitted to the hospital because of hepatic failure and was prescribed with lactulose (Duphalac). The primary action of this drug is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lactulose (Duphalac) is a synthetic sugar that is not absorbed in the small intestine but is broken down by bacteria in the colon into short-chain fatty acids and low molecular weight organic acids. The primary action of lactulose is to decrease resident intestinal flora. This reduces the production of ammonia in the colon and leads to acidification of the colonic contents. By doing so, lactulose helps in treating hepatic encephalopathy, a condition associated with hepatic failure where ammonia levels are elevated in the body. It works by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the stool, thereby reducing the toxic effects of ammonia on the brain.
Question 4 of 5
A 45-year old female diabetic is displaying signs of irritability and irrational behavior during an office visit. The nurse observes visible tremors in the client's hands. based on the client's history and the nurse's understanding of diabetes mellitus, the nurse interprets these findings to be signs of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The signs of irritability, irrational behavior, and visible tremors in the hands observed in the 45-year old female diabetic suggest hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below normal levels, causing the body and brain to receive inadequate fuel. This leads to symptoms like irritability, irrational behavior, and tremors, which are signs of the brain not receiving enough glucose for proper functioning. In diabetic patients, particularly those on medications like insulin or certain oral hypoglycemic agents, hypoglycemia can occur if they take too much medication, skip meals, or engage in excessive physical activity without adjusting their treatment regimen. Immediate treatment for hypoglycemia usually involves consuming a rapid source of sugar, such as glucose tablets, juice, or candy, to quickly raise blood sugar levels back to normal range.
Question 5 of 5
A client who was diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus 14 years ago is admitted to the medical-surgical unit with abdominal pain. On admission, the client's blood glucose level is 470 mg/dl. Which finding is most likely to accompany this blood glucose level?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 470 mg/dl indicates severe hyperglycemia in a client with type I diabetes mellitus. Arm and leg trembling, known as tremors, is a common symptom associated with high blood glucose levels. Tremors are often a result of the body's stress response to the extreme levels of glucose in the blood. Other common symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue. Cool, moist skin, rapid, thready pulse, and slow, shallow respirations are not typically associated with hyperglycemia and are more indicative of other conditions or clinical situations.