In pediatric shock, which of the following is an early sign?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric shock, recognizing early signs is crucial for timely intervention. The correct answer is D) Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a common early sign of pediatric shock as the body tries to compensate for decreased perfusion. This rapid heart rate is a physiological response to maintain cardiac output in the face of decreased blood flow. Option A) Hypotension is a late sign in pediatric shock and indicates significant cardiovascular compromise. Option B) Disturbed consciousness level typically occurs later in the progression of shock as cerebral perfusion is compromised. Option C) Cheyne-Stokes breathing is a pattern of breathing seen in severe brain injury or end-stage conditions and is not typically an early sign of shock. Educationally, understanding the early signs of pediatric shock is vital for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing tachycardia early can prompt quick intervention and prevent further deterioration. Teaching students to differentiate between early and late signs of shock enhances their clinical judgment and improves patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the correct rate of chest compressions during CPR is crucial for saving the lives of infants in cardiac arrest. The ideal rate of chest compression during CPR in infants is 100 per minute (Option C). This rate is optimal for maintaining perfusion to vital organs and maximizing the chances of successful resuscitation. Option A (150 per minute) is too fast for infants and may not allow for adequate chest recoil, which is essential for proper blood flow. Option B (125 per minute) is also faster than the recommended rate and may not be as effective in providing adequate circulation. Option D (75 per minute) is too slow and may not generate enough pressure to circulate blood effectively. Educationally, it is important for pediatric nurses to be well-versed in the current CPR guidelines for infants to provide timely and appropriate care in emergency situations. Proper chest compression rates can significantly impact the outcomes of resuscitation efforts, underscoring the importance of this knowledge in pediatric nursing practice. Nurses must continuously update their skills and knowledge to ensure they are prepared to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to pediatric patients in need.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, advanced life support is a critical component of providing care to acutely ill or injured children. The correct answer, option D) Treatment of life-threatening arrhythmias, is not typically a part of advanced life support in pediatric patients. Vascular access (option A), fluid administration (option B), and breathing support (option C) are essential elements of advanced life support for pediatric patients. Vascular access allows for the administration of medications and fluids, crucial in stabilizing a critically ill child. Fluid administration is vital for maintaining hemodynamic stability and addressing hypovolemia. Breathing support, including interventions such as bag-valve-mask ventilation or intubation, is essential for ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation. Understanding the components of advanced life support in pediatric nursing is crucial for nurses caring for children in emergency or critical care settings. By recognizing the appropriate interventions and treatments, nurses can effectively respond to pediatric emergencies and contribute to positive patient outcomes. It is important to continuously update knowledge and skills in pediatric advanced life support to deliver safe and effective care to pediatric patients in need.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the features of shock is crucial for early recognition and intervention. The correct answer is B) Tachycardia. In early (compensated) shock, the body attempts to maintain perfusion by increasing heart rate to ensure adequate blood flow to vital organs. Tachycardia is a key compensatory mechanism in response to decreased cardiac output. Option A) Hypotension is incorrect for early shock as the body initially compensates to maintain blood pressure through vasoconstriction and increased heart rate. Hypotension typically occurs in the decompensated stage of shock. Option C) Decreased level of consciousness is a late sign in shock, indicating severe compromise of perfusion to the brain due to prolonged inadequate tissue perfusion. Option D) Cold extremities are seen in the late stages of shock when the body is shunting blood away from the peripheries to maintain core perfusion. Educationally, nurses need to grasp the progressive nature of shock and recognize early signs to initiate prompt interventions. Understanding these nuances can lead to improved outcomes for pediatric patients experiencing shock. Remembering that tachycardia is an early compensatory response helps nurses to act swiftly in providing appropriate care to prevent further deterioration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this question from the Pediatric Nursing Test Bank, the correct answer is option C) Renal tubular acidosis. Metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap is a condition where there is an excess of acid in the body fluids, leading to a decrease in blood pH. Renal tubular acidosis is a renal condition where the kidneys are unable to effectively excrete acids into the urine, leading to an accumulation of acid in the blood and subsequent metabolic acidosis. This condition does not typically result in a high anion gap. Option A) Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition seen in uncontrolled diabetes where the body produces excess ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap. Option B) Salicylate poisoning can also cause metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap due to the accumulation of salicylic acid in the body. Option D) Renal failure can lead to metabolic acidosis, but it is usually classified as a non-anion gap acidosis. Understanding the causes of metabolic acidosis with high anion gap is crucial in pediatric nursing as it helps in the accurate assessment and management of critically ill children. Nurses need to be able to differentiate between the various causes of acid-base imbalances to provide timely and appropriate interventions to stabilize the child's condition.