Heimlich maneuver is used for which of the following purposes?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Expelling a foreign body in the airway in the unconscious child. The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first-aid procedure used to dislodge an obstruction in the airway, particularly in cases where the person is choking and unable to breathe or speak. In pediatric nursing, this skill is crucial as children are prone to putting small objects in their mouths, which can lead to choking emergencies. Performing the Heimlich maneuver promptly can save a child's life by clearing the airway and restoring normal breathing. Option A) Assessing if the child is breathing or not is incorrect because the Heimlich maneuver is not used for assessment but for intervention in cases of airway obstruction. Option C) Chest compression in a large child to ensure adequate compression is incorrect as chest compressions are part of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and are not performed during the Heimlich maneuver. Option D) Opening airway in the presence of a possible cervical spine injury is incorrect because the Heimlich maneuver is specifically for clearing airway obstructions and is not indicated for suspected cervical spine injuries where movement of the neck should be minimized. Educational Context: Pediatric nurses must be well-versed in emergency procedures like the Heimlich maneuver to respond effectively to choking incidents in children. Understanding the correct technique, indications, and contraindications of the Heimlich maneuver is crucial for pediatric healthcare providers to provide timely and life-saving interventions in emergency situations. Regular training, practice, and staying updated on pediatric emergency protocols are essential for pediatric nurses to deliver safe and competent care to pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the physiological responses to serious illness is crucial for providing optimal care to young patients. In this question, the correct answer is option A) Blood pressure. During serious illness, the body often responds with an increase in heart rate, respiratory rate, and the action of accessory respiratory muscles as compensatory mechanisms to maintain oxygenation and perfusion. However, blood pressure may not always increase in response to serious illness, as it can vary based on the specific condition and the body's compensatory mechanisms. Option B) Heart rate is often increased during serious illness as the body tries to maintain cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs. Option C) Respiratory rate can also increase as the body attempts to improve oxygenation and remove carbon dioxide. Option D) Action of accessory respiratory muscles may be seen in conditions where there is increased work of breathing, such as respiratory distress. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing and understanding the various physiological responses that can occur in pediatric patients with serious illnesses. By differentiating between these responses, nurses can assess the child's condition accurately, intervene promptly, and provide appropriate care to improve outcomes. It underscores the need for nurses to have a comprehensive understanding of pediatric pathophysiology and the body's responses to illness to deliver safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Shift of the trachea to the right. When a foreign body partially obstructs the right main bronchus, it leads to a shift of the trachea towards the affected side. This shift occurs due to the increased air pressure in the hyperinflated right lung, pushing the trachea to the right. Option A) Homogeneous opacity of the right lung is incorrect because a foreign body obstruction would not cause a homogeneous opacity but rather an area of hyperinflation. Option B) Hyperinflated left lung is incorrect as the hyperinflation typically occurs in the lung that is beyond the obstruction (in this case, the right lung) due to air trapping. Option C) Narrowed trachea is incorrect because a foreign body obstruction in the right main bronchus would not directly narrow the trachea itself. Understanding radiological findings in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses to provide comprehensive care. Recognizing these abnormalities helps in prompt diagnosis and intervention, ensuring optimal patient outcomes. In this scenario, identifying the tracheal shift to the right would prompt immediate action to address the foreign body obstruction and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of distributive shock is crucial for providing effective care to critically ill children. Distributive shock is characterized by systemic vasodilation leading to inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues. Among the options provided, early septic shock (Option C) is the correct answer that can cause distributive shock in pediatric patients. Septic shock is a type of distributive shock where an infection triggers a systemic inflammatory response, leading to vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. This can result in decreased systemic vascular resistance and impaired tissue perfusion, ultimately leading to distributive shock. Option A, cardiac tamponade, is a type of obstructive shock caused by compression of the heart due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac. It does not directly lead to distributive shock. Option B, dehydration, can lead to hypovolemic shock due to a decrease in circulating blood volume. While dehydration can cause hemodynamic instability, it does not cause distributive shock. Option D, critical aortic stenosis, is a type of obstructive shock where there is obstruction to blood flow out of the heart. It does not directly cause distributive shock. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to differentiate the types of shock and their underlying causes to provide prompt and appropriate interventions. Recognizing early signs of distributive shock, such as in septic shock, and initiating timely treatment, such as fluid resuscitation and antibiotics, can significantly impact patient outcomes. Understanding the pathophysiology of shock conditions empowers nurses to deliver safe and effective care to pediatric patients in critical situations.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the etiology of anemia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. In this case, the correct answer is A) Folic acid deficiency. Folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells, and a deficiency can lead to macrocytic anemia, characterized by larger than normal red blood cells. Option B) Sickle cell anemia is a form of hemolytic anemia characterized by abnormal hemoglobin molecules, not macrocytosis. Option C) Aplastic anemia is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce an adequate number of blood cells, leading to pancytopenia, not macrocytosis. Option D) Congenital spherocytosis is a type of hemolytic anemia caused by defective red blood cell membranes, not macrocytosis. Educationally, understanding the specific characteristics of different types of anemia is essential for pediatric nurses to provide comprehensive care to children with hematologic disorders. Recognizing the association between folic acid deficiency and macrocytosis can guide nurses in recommending appropriate dietary interventions or supplementation to manage the condition effectively.