Dilated cardiomyopathy is characterized by:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In dilated cardiomyopathy, the heart muscle becomes weakened and enlarged, leading to impaired contractility. This results in the heart's inability to effectively pump blood to the body. Option A, impaired contractility, is the correct answer because it directly relates to the primary characteristic of dilated cardiomyopathy. Option B, normal ventricular size, is incorrect because dilated cardiomyopathy is specifically characterized by ventricular dilation. Option C, dilated atrium, is incorrect as atrial dilation is not a primary feature of dilated cardiomyopathy. Option D, abnormal relaxation, is also incorrect as this pertains more to diastolic dysfunction rather than the systolic dysfunction seen in dilated cardiomyopathy. Understanding the features of dilated cardiomyopathy is crucial for pediatric nurses as it is a significant cause of heart failure in children. By recognizing the signs and symptoms, nurses can provide appropriate care and interventions to manage the condition effectively. It is essential for nurses to understand the pathophysiology behind dilated cardiomyopathy to deliver comprehensive care to pediatric patients with this condition.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of anemia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In this case, the correct answer is D) Vitamin B12 deficiency, which is associated with macrocytosis. Macrocytosis refers to the presence of abnormally large red blood cells, which is a characteristic feature of Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 leads to ineffective erythropoiesis, resulting in the production of larger-than-normal red blood cells, hence macrocytosis. Now let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: - A) Sickle cell anemia: Sickle cell anemia is characterized by the presence of sickle-shaped red blood cells, not macrocytosis. - B) Aplastic anemia: Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells, but it is not typically associated with macrocytosis. - C) Congenital spherocytosis: This condition involves abnormal red blood cell shape, leading to hemolysis, but not macrocytosis. Educationally, understanding the correlation between specific types of anemia and their associated blood cell characteristics is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the link between Vitamin B12 deficiency and macrocytosis aids in prompt identification and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the tuberculin test is crucial for accurate diagnosis of tuberculosis. A false positive result can occur in various situations, but it is most commonly associated with infection by atypical mycobacteria, making option C the correct answer. Atypical mycobacteria are non-tuberculous mycobacteria that can cause a reaction similar to that of Mycobacterium tuberculosis when the tuberculin test is administered. These organisms are present in the environment and can infect individuals, leading to a false positive result on the tuberculin test. Option A, disseminated infection, is typically associated with a positive tuberculin test due to the widespread presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body. Option B, live viral vaccine, is not directly related to false positive tuberculin tests. Option D, active infection, would actually result in a true positive tuberculin test, as it indicates the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the body. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering various factors that can influence diagnostic test results in pediatric nursing practice. Understanding the nuances of tuberculin testing and being aware of potential causes of false positives can help healthcare providers make accurate clinical judgments and provide appropriate care to pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Von Willebrand disease. Von Willebrand disease is a common inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the von Willebrand factor, which plays a crucial role in platelet adhesion and aggregation. This deficiency leads to prolonged bleeding time despite having normal platelet counts. Option A) Hemophilia A is incorrect because it is a deficiency in factor VIII, a clotting factor, leading to prolonged clotting time but not affecting platelet counts. Option C) Leukemia is incorrect because it is a type of cancer affecting the bone marrow, leading to abnormal white blood cell production, but it does not directly impact platelet counts and bleeding time. Option D) Hypersplenism is incorrect as it involves the spleen's excessive removal of blood cells, including platelets, leading to a decrease in platelet count, but it does not cause prolonged bleeding time with normal platelet counts. For educational context, understanding the relationship between different clotting factors, platelet function, and bleeding disorders is crucial in pediatric nursing. Recognizing the specific characteristics of each disorder helps nurses provide accurate assessments, interventions, and education to support pediatric patients and their families effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is D) Purely motor. Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that primarily affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. This paralysis is purely motor because it affects the muscles controlled by the damaged motor neurons, resulting in muscle atrophy and weakness without sensory deficits. Option A) Symmetrical paralysis is incorrect because while polio can cause symmetric weakness, it is not the defining characteristic. Other conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome can also present with symmetrical paralysis. Option B) Complete recovery is incorrect because not all cases of polio result in complete recovery. Some individuals may have long-term complications or residual weakness. Option C) Associated with sensory loss is incorrect because polio primarily affects the motor neurons, leading to motor deficits. Sensory loss is not a typical feature of poliomyelitis. Educational Context: Understanding the characteristic signs of poliomyelitis paralysis is crucial for pediatric nurses as they care for children affected by this condition. By recognizing the motor nature of the paralysis in polio, nurses can provide appropriate care and support to these patients. This knowledge also helps in differentiating polio from other neuromuscular conditions with similar presentations, leading to accurate diagnosis and management.