ATI RN
Certified Pediatric Nurse Exam Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
If a patient has severe hyperkalemia, it is possible to administer calcium gluconate intravenously to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is administered intravenously in the setting of severe hyperkalemia to antagonize the effects of potassium on the heart. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias due to the changes in membrane potential of cardiac cells caused by increased extracellular potassium levels. Administration of calcium gluconate helps stabilize the cardiac cell membrane potential, protecting against the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias. It doesn't provide an immediate decrease in serum potassium levels (Choice A) or prevent transient renal failure (TRF) (Choice B). Therefore, the correct answer is D, as calcium gluconate primarily acts to counteract the effects of hyperkalemia on the heart.
Question 2 of 5
A healthy 4-year-old child has a left flank mass. Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen shows a localized renal mass. Radical nephrectomy is performed; the histology shows clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. The MOST appropriate next step in the management is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clear cell sarcoma of the kidney has a propensity to metastasize to bones, making a bone scan essential.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is the most important assessment during the acute stage of an unconscious patient like Mr. Franco?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the acute stage of an unconscious patient like Mr. Franco, the most critical assessment is ensuring the patency of the airway and evaluating the adequacy of respiration. Maintaining a clear airway is essential to ensure that oxygen can reach the lungs and be circulated to vital organs. Without proper airway management, a patient's condition can quickly deteriorate due to hypoxia, leading to severe complications or even death. Therefore, assessing and securing the airway is the priority in the initial management of an unconscious patient to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Monitoring the respiration rate, depth, and effort is crucial to identify any signs of respiratory distress or failure that require immediate intervention. Once the airway and breathing are addressed, further assessments related to neurological function and sensory responses can be conducted.
Question 4 of 5
An adult is being taught about a healthy diet. How can the food pyramid help guide the client on his diet?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The food pyramid can help guide the client on his diet by suggesting daily food choices. The food pyramid categorizes different food groups based on their nutritional compositions and recommended daily servings. By following the food pyramid, the client can make informed choices about what types and amounts of food to consume each day to achieve a balanced and healthy diet. The visual representation of the food pyramid also helps in understanding the relative proportions of different food groups that are part of a nutritious diet.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is assessing a 5 year old with a history of heart failure. Which finding indicates that the child has adequate cardiac output?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate cardiac output is a measure of how well the heart is able to pump blood effectively to meet the body's metabolic demands. An adequate cardiac output ensures sufficient oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the tissues and organs. One of the most reliable indicators of adequate cardiac output is urine output. A urine output of at least 1 mL/kg/hour, which translates to around 30 mL/hour in a 5-year-old child, indicates adequate perfusion and renal function. In heart failure, decreased cardiac output may lead to decreased renal perfusion, resulting in a decreased urine output, so a stable or increased urine output suggests adequate cardiac output.