During basic life support of a 10-year-old child:

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric basic life support (BLS), it is crucial to follow guidelines tailored to children to ensure the best possible outcomes in an emergency situation. The correct answer, option D, states that the encircling technique is used to perform chest compressions on a child during BLS. This technique involves encircling the child's chest with both hands to provide effective and appropriate compressions to the sternum, reflecting the importance of proper hand placement and technique in pediatric BLS. Option A, stating that the priority is to intubate the child, is incorrect. In pediatric BLS, the immediate focus should be on providing high-quality chest compressions to maintain circulation before considering advanced airway interventions like intubation. Option B, mentioning that chest compressions are indicated if heart sounds are weak, is also incorrect. In pediatric BLS, chest compressions are initiated based on the absence of a pulse or effective circulation, not solely on the strength of heart sounds. Option C, suggesting a compression to ventilation ratio of 15:2, is outdated. Current guidelines recommend a compression to ventilation ratio of 30:2 for single rescuer CPR in children, emphasizing the importance of providing adequate chest compressions to maintain perfusion. Educationally, understanding the specific techniques and guidelines for pediatric BLS is essential for healthcare providers working with children. Proper training and adherence to current protocols can significantly impact the outcomes of pediatric cardiac arrest situations, making this knowledge critical for pediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals caring for children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Ambu bag can be used with or without oxygen. In pediatric basic life support, providing effective ventilation is crucial. Using an Ambu bag allows the healthcare provider to deliver breaths to the child's lungs, either with room air or oxygen. This is essential in maintaining oxygenation and ventilation during resuscitation efforts. Option A is incorrect because the priority during basic life support is to ensure adequate oxygenation and circulation before considering advanced airway interventions like intubation, which may delay critical interventions. Option B is incorrect as chest compressions are indicated in pediatric resuscitation if the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally, regardless of heart sounds. Option D is incorrect as the encircling technique is typically used in adult CPR, while in pediatric CPR, two-finger compressions or heel of one hand technique is recommended due to the child's smaller chest size. In an educational context, understanding the nuances of pediatric basic life support is vital for healthcare providers working with children. It is crucial to prioritize interventions based on the specific needs of pediatric patients to ensure the best possible outcomes during resuscitation efforts. Practicing scenarios and staying updated on pediatric resuscitation guidelines are essential for healthcare professionals working in pediatric settings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, the procedure Look-Listen-Feel is used to assess for breathing. This technique involves first looking for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow. A) Assessing for responsiveness is important but is not the purpose of Look-Listen-Feel. This is usually done by tapping the child and calling their name. B) Assessing for airway patency involves checking if the airway is clear and open, which is generally done by opening the child's mouth and looking for obstructions. D) Assessing for circulation usually involves checking for a pulse and signs of circulation in the extremities. Understanding the correct use of Look-Listen-Feel is crucial for pediatric nurses as it is a foundational skill in assessing a child's respiratory status. By mastering this technique, nurses can quickly and effectively evaluate a child's breathing, which is vital in pediatric emergencies. It helps in early detection of respiratory distress or failure, allowing for prompt intervention and potentially saving a child's life.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the appropriate use of nebulized adrenaline is crucial. In this question, the correct answer is D) Croup. Nebulized adrenaline is indicated in croup due to its vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory effects which help reduce airway swelling and improve breathing in children with croup. Anaphylactic shock (A) is typically treated with epinephrine, not nebulized adrenaline. Bronchial breathing (B) is a term used to describe the harsh, hollow sounds heard over the chest in conditions like pneumonia and is not an indication for nebulized adrenaline. Cardiac arrest (C) requires interventions such as CPR and defibrillation, not nebulized adrenaline. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding specific medication indications in pediatric patients. Nurses need to be aware of the appropriate use of nebulized adrenaline in conditions like croup to provide safe and effective care to children in respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by the bone marrow's failure to produce an adequate number of blood cells, including reticulocytes, which are immature red blood cells. As a result, the reticulocytic count is expected to be low in aplastic anemia. A) Acute hemorrhage would not typically result in a low reticulocytic count; instead, it would trigger a response to increase red blood cell production, including the release of more reticulocytes. C) Sickle cell disease and D) Hereditary spherocytosis are both conditions that can lead to hemolytic anemia, where red blood cells are destroyed prematurely. In these conditions, the bone marrow attempts to compensate by increasing red blood cell production, including reticulocytes, leading to a higher reticulocytic count. Educationally, understanding the relationship between reticulocytic count and different anemias is crucial for pediatric nurses. It helps in interpreting lab results, guiding patient care, and determining appropriate interventions. By grasping these concepts, nurses can provide optimal care for pediatric patients with various hematologic conditions.