During cardiopulmonary resuscitation of an infant, how should chest compressions be performed?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, performing chest compressions during infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) requires specific techniques due to the infant's smaller chest size and fragility. The correct answer, option D, "With 2 fingers of one hand," is the recommended method for infant CPR. This is because using two fingers allows for more precise and controlled compressions on the infant's small chest, ensuring effective circulation of blood. Option A, "With the heel of one hand and the other hand on top of the first," is incorrect as it can lead to excessive force being applied, increasing the risk of causing harm to the infant's delicate chest and internal organs. Option B, "With the heel of one hand only," is also incorrect because using the entire heel may not provide the necessary precision required for infant CPR. Option C, "With 4 fingers of one hand," is not the correct technique for infant CPR as it can again lead to excessive force being applied, which is dangerous for the infant. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working with infants, to be proficient in the correct techniques for pediatric CPR to ensure the best outcomes in emergency situations. Proper training and practice in infant CPR can make a significant difference in saving a child's life. Healthcare professionals must stay updated on the latest guidelines and recommendations for pediatric resuscitation to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the drugs used during resuscitation is crucial for providing effective care to children in critical situations. In this case, the correct answer is C) Digitalis, as it is not typically used during resuscitation in pediatric patients. Digitalis is a cardiac glycoside primarily used to treat heart failure and certain arrhythmias, but it is not a first-line drug for resuscitation in children. Its slow onset of action and potential for toxicity make it unsuitable for use in the fast-paced, high-stress environment of resuscitation. On the other hand, let's examine why the other options are typically used during resuscitation: A) Atropine: Used to treat symptomatic bradycardia in pediatric patients. B) Bicarbonate: Used in cases of metabolic acidosis or certain drug toxicities. D) Epinephrine: Essential in managing cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and severe asthma in pediatric resuscitation. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to understand the appropriate use of medications during resuscitation scenarios to provide timely and effective care. Knowing which drugs are indicated, their mechanisms of action, dosages, and potential side effects can significantly impact patient outcomes in emergency situations. By grasping these principles, nurses can confidently and competently respond to pediatric resuscitation events.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, recognizing the features suggestive of hyponatremic dehydration is crucial for providing effective care to children. The correct answer, option D, "Marked loss of skin turgor while tongue is not dry," is indicative of hyponatremic dehydration. This presentation occurs because in hyponatremic dehydration, there is a relative excess of water compared to sodium, leading to cellular swelling and skin turgor changes without the tongue becoming dry. Option A, "Serum osmolarity >295 mOsm/L," is more indicative of hypernatremia rather than hyponatremic dehydration. Hypernatremia results from a deficit of water in relation to sodium, leading to increased serum osmolarity. Option B, "Net loss of water > sodium," is not specific to hyponatremic dehydration and can occur in various types of dehydration, including isotonic and hypertonic dehydration. Option C, "Child is very irritable," is a non-specific symptom and can be seen in many pediatric conditions, not specifically suggestive of hyponatremic dehydration. Educationally, understanding the specific clinical features of different types of dehydration is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing these features can aid in prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications associated with dehydration in children.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding different types of anemia is crucial for providing effective care to children. In this question, the correct answer is B) Iron deficiency anemia, which is a common type of microcytic hypochromic anemia in children. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by small (microcytic) and pale (hypochromic) red blood cells due to insufficient iron levels in the body. This leads to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity and can result in symptoms like fatigue, pallor, and weakness in children. A) Aplastic anemia is not microcytic hypochromic; it is characterized by pancytopenia (reduction in all blood cell types) due to bone marrow failure. C) Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects white blood cells and does not present as microcytic hypochromic anemia. Leukemia is characterized by abnormal white blood cell proliferation. D) Sickle cell anemia is a type of hemolytic anemia characterized by abnormal sickle-shaped red blood cells and is not microcytic hypochromic. Educationally, understanding the characteristics of different types of anemia helps nurses in assessing, diagnosing, and managing pediatric patients effectively. It also highlights the importance of nutritional assessment and interventions in preventing iron deficiency anemia in children.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, it is crucial to understand the management of electrolyte imbalances such as hypernatremia. The correct answer to the question regarding the maximum accepted rate of drop of serum sodium per 24 hours in hypernatremia is option A) 8 mmol/L. The reason option A is correct is that a rapid decrease in serum sodium levels can lead to cerebral edema and neurological complications, especially in children. A maximum reduction of 8 mmol/L per 24 hours is considered safe to prevent these adverse effects. Option B) 12 mmol/L, option C) 16 mmol/L, and option D) 20 mmol/L are incorrect because these rates of reduction are too rapid for pediatric patients with hypernatremia. A sudden drop in serum sodium levels beyond the safe limit can result in serious neurological consequences, which is why these options are not acceptable rates of reduction. Educationally, understanding the appropriate management of electrolyte imbalances in pediatrics is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients. By knowing the safe parameters for correcting hypernatremia, nurses can provide effective and safe care to children at risk for electrolyte disturbances, ultimately contributing to positive patient outcomes.