ATI RN
Pediatric Cardiovascular Disorders Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
In the electrocardiogram of a 40-year old male, the QRS amplitude in lead I and aVF measured (+) 10 and (-)10mV respectively. The frontal QRS axis is
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular nursing, understanding electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is crucial for assessing cardiac function. The correct answer, option B) (-) 45°, is determined by the QRS amplitudes in lead I and aVF being equal in magnitude but opposite in direction. This indicates an axis deviation towards lead aVF, resulting in a negative angle. Option A) (+) 15° is incorrect because the QRS amplitudes in lead I and aVF are equal but have opposite polarities, suggesting an axis deviation towards lead aVF, resulting in a negative angle, not a positive one. Option C) (-) 75° and option D) (-) 90° are incorrect as they do not account for the equal but oppositely directed QRS amplitudes seen in lead I and aVF. These angles would not align with the data provided in the question. In an educational context, understanding how to interpret ECG findings in pediatric patients is essential for assessing cardiac health and diagnosing cardiovascular disorders accurately. By comprehensively analyzing ECG data, nurses can provide appropriate care and interventions to pediatric patients with cardiovascular conditions.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a child with a diagnosis of Kawasaki disease. The child’s parent asks the nurse, “How does Kawasaki disease affect my child’s heart and blood vessels?” On what understanding is the nurse’s response based?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Inflammation weakens blood vessels, leading to an aneurysm. Kawasaki disease is an acute febrile illness that primarily affects children. It causes inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, including the coronary arteries. This inflammation can weaken the blood vessel walls, leading to the formation of aneurysms. These aneurysms can put the child at risk for serious complications such as myocardial infarction or sudden death. Option B) Increased lipid levels lead to the development of atherosclerosis is incorrect because Kawasaki disease primarily involves inflammation of the blood vessels, not lipid abnormalities associated with atherosclerosis. Option C) Untreated disease causes mitral valve stenosis is incorrect because Kawasaki disease primarily affects the coronary arteries and does not directly cause mitral valve stenosis. Option D) Altered blood flow increases cardiac workload with resulting heart failure is incorrect because although Kawasaki disease can affect the heart, the primary concern related to the cardiovascular system in this disease is the development of coronary artery abnormalities, such as aneurysms, due to inflammation rather than altered blood flow leading to heart failure. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology of Kawasaki disease and its effects on the cardiovascular system is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the potential complications, such as aneurysm formation, allows nurses to provide appropriate monitoring and interventions to prevent adverse outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A child with rheumatic fever begins involuntary, purposeless movements of her limbs. What does the nurse recognize that this indicates?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Sydenham’s chorea. Sydenham’s chorea is a manifestation of rheumatic fever, characterized by involuntary, purposeless movements of the limbs. This is a result of the autoimmune response to Group A streptococcal infection affecting the basal ganglia of the brain. Option A) Seizure activity is incorrect because the described movements are not indicative of a seizure. Seizures typically involve rhythmic jerking movements and altered consciousness. Option B) Hypoxia is incorrect as it refers to inadequate oxygen supply to tissues, which would not typically present with purposeless limb movements. Option D) Decreasing level of consciousness is also incorrect as it typically involves a progressive state of reduced awareness and responsiveness, not characteristic of the movements seen in Sydenham’s chorea. Educationally, understanding the manifestations of rheumatic fever, such as Sydenham’s chorea, is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide appropriate care and support for these patients. Recognizing these symptoms can lead to early intervention and management to prevent complications and improve outcomes for the child.
Question 4 of 5
An older adult woman with a long history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with progressive shortness of breath and a persistent cough. She is anxious and is complaining of a dry mouth. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct intervention is option D: Assist her to an upright position. Rationale: Assisting the older adult woman to an upright position is the most appropriate intervention because it helps optimize ventilation and oxygenation by reducing the work of breathing and improving lung expansion. This position allows for better lung expansion, which can alleviate shortness of breath and enhance oxygenation. It also helps in the management of COPD exacerbations by facilitating better airflow and mucus clearance. Explanation of Incorrect Options: A) Administer a prescribed sedative: Administering a sedative can further depress the respiratory drive and exacerbate respiratory distress in a patient with COPD. B) Encourage client to drink water: While staying hydrated is important, it does not directly address the respiratory distress and anxiety the patient is experiencing. C) Apply a high-flow venturi mask: While oxygen therapy may be necessary, in this case, addressing the patient's positioning is a more immediate and appropriate intervention before considering oxygen therapy. Educational Context: Understanding the appropriate interventions for patients with COPD exacerbations is crucial for nurses caring for individuals with respiratory conditions. Positioning plays a key role in optimizing respiratory function and should be one of the initial interventions in managing respiratory distress. Nurses need to be able to assess and implement appropriate interventions promptly to ensure optimal patient outcomes in cases of respiratory distress.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with a lower left lobe pulmonary abscess. Which position should the nurse instruct the client to maintain?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of a client with a lower left lobe pulmonary abscess, the correct position for the nurse to instruct the client to maintain is the left lateral position (Option A). The rationale behind this instruction is to facilitate drainage and prevent pooling of secretions in the affected area. By positioning the client on the left side, gravity can assist in draining the abscess and reducing the risk of further complications such as pneumonia or respiratory distress. Option B (Supine, knees flexed) is not the optimal position for a client with a lower left lobe pulmonary abscess as lying flat on the back may lead to pooling of secretions in the affected lobe, potentially worsening the condition. Option C (Dorsal recumbent) is also not ideal in this case as it involves lying on the back, which as mentioned earlier, can lead to pooling of secretions and compromise respiratory function in a client with a pulmonary abscess. Option D (Knee-chest) is not the correct position for this client either. While the knee-chest position can be used to assist with drainage in some respiratory conditions, it may not be the most comfortable or practical position for a client with a lower left lobe pulmonary abscess. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind positioning in specific respiratory conditions is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric clients with cardiovascular disorders. Proper positioning can significantly impact ventilation, oxygenation, and overall respiratory function, ultimately influencing patient outcomes. By mastering these principles, nurses can provide optimal care and support for clients with complex respiratory conditions like pulmonary abscesses.