ATI RN
Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Nasal congestion of rhinitis is usually relieved by
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the management of nasal congestion associated with rhinitis, pseudoephedrine (Option C) is the preferred choice for relief. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, thereby reducing swelling and congestion. It is effective in providing symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. Option A, diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that may help with allergies and itching but is not as effective in relieving nasal congestion compared to decongestants like pseudoephedrine. Option B, hydroxyzine, is also an antihistamine that is more commonly used for itching and anxiety rather than nasal congestion. Option D, cetirizine, is a second-generation antihistamine that is effective for treating allergies and associated symptoms like sneezing and itching, but it is not as effective in relieving nasal congestion as pseudoephedrine. Educationally, understanding the appropriate pharmacological management of symptoms related to rhinitis is crucial for healthcare providers, especially pediatric clinical nurse specialists, as they play a vital role in managing pediatric patients with respiratory conditions. It is essential to differentiate between various classes of medications and their specific uses to provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients with rhinitis.
Question 2 of 5
A 14-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes has hyperglycemia (20.2 mmol/L) and ketones (1.2 mmol/L) despite insulin pump therapy. What is the best advice?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Deliver a correction bolus of rapid-acting insulin via an insulin syringe or pen. In this scenario, the 14-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes is experiencing hyperglycemia and ketones despite being on insulin pump therapy. Rapid-acting insulin given via syringe or pen allows for a more immediate and precise delivery of insulin to address the high blood sugar levels and ketones. This method ensures faster correction and can help prevent potential complications of hyperglycemia and ketosis. Option A is incorrect because delivering a correction bolus through the insulin pump may not be as effective in this situation due to possible insulin pump malfunction or absorption issues. Option C, delivering a dose of long-acting insulin, is not appropriate for correcting acute hyperglycemia and ketones as it acts over an extended period and does not provide immediate relief. Option D, performing exercise and increasing water intake, is not recommended for treating high blood sugar and ketones in this case as it may worsen the condition by leading to dehydration and further ketone production. Educationally, it is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists to understand the management of acute complications in pediatric patients with diabetes. Providing detailed explanations for the correct and incorrect options helps reinforce the importance of prompt and appropriate interventions to prevent complications and promote optimal health outcomes in pediatric patients with diabetes.
Question 3 of 5
What is the average lifespan of normal human platelets in circulation?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) 10 days. Platelets are small, disc-shaped cell fragments produced in the bone marrow and are essential for blood clotting. The average lifespan of normal human platelets in circulation is around 10 days. Option A) 24 hours is incorrect as platelets typically live much longer than just one day. Option B) 72 hours is also incorrect as platelets have a longer lifespan than three days. Option D) 30 days is incorrect as this is too long for the average lifespan of platelets. In an educational context, understanding the lifespan of platelets is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists as it impacts their approach to managing patients with bleeding disorders, clotting disorders, or those undergoing surgeries where platelet function is essential. Knowing the lifespan helps in interpreting lab results, assessing treatment effectiveness, and providing appropriate patient education regarding their condition. This knowledge also guides the timing of interventions that may be needed to support or enhance platelet function in pediatric patients.
Question 4 of 5
A 12-year-old with repeated episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis experiences another episode of sore throat... The most appropriate therapy is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) epinephrine. In this scenario, the child is experiencing streptococcal pharyngitis, which is a bacterial infection. Epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor that can help in reducing inflammation and swelling of the throat, providing relief from symptoms like sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Option B) prednisone is a corticosteroid that is more commonly used for treating inflammatory conditions, such as asthma or allergic reactions. It is not the first-line treatment for streptococcal pharyngitis. Option C) diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that is used to treat allergic reactions and symptoms like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. It is not effective in treating bacterial infections like streptococcal pharyngitis. Option D) cimetidine is a histamine-2 blocker that is used to reduce stomach acid production. It is not indicated for the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. In an educational context, it is crucial for pediatric clinical nurse specialists to have a strong understanding of common pediatric illnesses and their appropriate treatments. Streptococcal pharyngitis is a common condition in children, and knowing the most effective treatment options can help in providing optimal care and improving patient outcomes. Understanding the rationale behind choosing epinephrine in this case reinforces the importance of evidence-based practice and critical thinking in pediatric nursing care.
Question 5 of 5
Which form of hypersensitivity reaction is characterized by antigen-antibody reactions on the cell membrane with activation of complement and destruction of the involved cell?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B) type II hypersensitivity. Type II hypersensitivity reactions involve antigen-antibody reactions on the cell membrane, leading to complement activation and the destruction of the involved cell. This process occurs through various mechanisms such as complement-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and phagocytosis. Option A) type I hypersensitivity is characterized by IgE-mediated reactions, leading to the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils, causing immediate hypersensitivity reactions like allergies. Option C) type III hypersensitivity involves immune complex deposition in tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage due to the inability to clear the immune complexes. Option D) type IV hypersensitivity is a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction mediated by T cells, resulting in inflammation and tissue damage caused by the release of cytokines and recruitment of inflammatory cells. In a pediatric clinical setting, understanding the different types of hypersensitivity reactions is crucial for assessing and managing various conditions like allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and drug reactions. Recognizing the specific characteristics and mechanisms of each type of hypersensitivity reaction is essential for providing appropriate care and interventions for pediatric patients.