During basic life support of a 10-year-old child, which of the following statements is correct:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric basic life support, the correct statement is that an Ambu bag can be used with or without oxygen. This is the correct answer because when providing rescue breaths to a child, the priority is to ensure adequate ventilation. Using an Ambu bag allows for controlled delivery of breaths, and oxygen can be added if available. This is crucial in maintaining oxygenation and perfusion during CPR. Option A is incorrect because the priority in pediatric basic life support is establishing effective ventilation and circulation through proper rescue breaths and chest compressions, not intubation. Intubation is a more advanced airway management technique. Option B is incorrect because chest compressions are indicated in pediatric CPR if the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, regardless of the strength of heart sounds. Chest compressions help circulate oxygenated blood throughout the body. Option D is incorrect because the encircling technique is not used to perform chest compressions in pediatric CPR. Instead, two-finger chest compressions or heel of one hand technique is recommended for children to avoid causing injury. In an educational context, understanding the correct techniques and priorities in pediatric basic life support is crucial for healthcare providers working with children. Proper training and knowledge in pediatric CPR can make a significant difference in improving outcomes during pediatric emergencies. It is essential to prioritize effective ventilation and circulation to increase the chances of survival for pediatric patients in cardiac arrest.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Inotropic drugs are medications that affect the force of muscular contractions, particularly in the heart. In the context of acute shock, the goal is to improve cardiac output and tissue perfusion. The correct answer, D) Milrinone, is not typically used in acute shock because it is primarily a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is more commonly used in heart failure. A) Digitalis is a cardiac glycoside that can be used in certain cases of heart failure but is not typically the first-line choice in acute shock situations. B) Dopamine is a catecholamine that can be used in acute shock to improve blood pressure and cardiac output by increasing systemic vascular resistance and heart rate. C) Dobutamine is a beta-1 adrenergic agonist that is commonly used in acute shock to increase myocardial contractility. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate use of inotropic drugs in different clinical scenarios is crucial for pediatric nurses. Knowledge of the mechanisms of action and indications for each medication is essential for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients in critical situations like acute shock. Nurses must be able to differentiate between these medications to make informed decisions and optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the etiology of anemia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. In this case, the correct answer is A) Folic acid deficiency, which is associated with macrocytosis. Folic acid plays a key role in DNA synthesis and cell division, and its deficiency leads to impaired red blood cell production, resulting in macrocytic anemia characterized by large red blood cells. Option B) Sickle cell anemia is a hemolytic anemia caused by a genetic mutation affecting hemoglobin production, leading to the characteristic sickle-shaped red blood cells. This type of anemia is not associated with macrocytosis. Option C) Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of blood cells, but it does not typically present with macrocytosis. Option D) Congenital spherocytosis is a hemolytic anemia characterized by spherical-shaped red blood cells due to a defect in the cell membrane. It is not typically associated with macrocytosis. Educationally, it is important for nursing students to understand the different types of anemia and their associated characteristics to provide optimal care for pediatric patients. Recognizing the specific features of each type of anemia, including their causes and manifestations, enables nurses to implement appropriate interventions and educate patients and families effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the significance of laboratory values is crucial for accurate assessment and diagnosis. In this scenario, a low reticulocyte count is associated with aplastic anemia, making option B the correct answer. Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells, including reticulocytes (immature red blood cells). This results in a low reticulocyte count in the peripheral blood. Therefore, selecting option B is appropriate because it aligns with the pathophysiology of aplastic anemia. Now, let's discuss why the other options are incorrect: - Acute hemorrhage (option A) typically leads to an increase in reticulocyte count as the body tries to compensate for blood loss by producing more red blood cells. - Sickle cell anemia (option C) often presents with an increased reticulocyte count due to the rapid turnover of sickled red blood cells. - Hereditary spherocytosis (option D) is a hemolytic disorder characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, leading to a compensatory increase in reticulocyte count. Educationally, understanding the relationship between reticulocyte count and different disorders enhances the nurse's ability to interpret lab results accurately, prioritize differential diagnoses, and provide appropriate care for pediatric patients. This knowledge is vital for delivering safe and effective nursing interventions in various clinical settings.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of normocytic normochromic anemia is crucial for accurate assessment and intervention. In this case, the correct answer is A) Iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by decreased levels of iron, leading to small and pale red blood cells (normocytic normochromic). Iron is essential for hemoglobin production, so its deficiency can result in anemia. Option B) Aplastic anemia is incorrect as it is characterized by pancytopenia (decreased red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), not specifically normocytic normochromic anemia. Option C) Leukemia is incorrect as it is a type of cancer affecting white blood cells, leading to abnormal cell proliferation rather than the characteristic features of normocytic normochromic anemia. Option D) Hemorrhagic anemia is incorrect as it results from acute or chronic blood loss, leading to a decrease in the overall volume of red blood cells, which differs from the normocytic normochromic pattern seen in iron deficiency anemia. Educationally, understanding the different types of anemia and their characteristic features is essential for pediatric nurses to provide appropriate care and treatment to pediatric patients with hematologic disorders. Recognizing the unique presentations of each type of anemia helps in accurate diagnosis and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.