ATI RN
Pediatric NCLEX Practice Quiz Questions
Question 1 of 5
One of the following can cause unilateral dilated fixed pupil
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Tentorial herniation. In cases of tentorial herniation, increased intracranial pressure causes the brain to herniate downward through the tentorial notch, leading to compression of the oculomotor nerve. This compression results in a unilateral dilated and fixed pupil, known as a "blown pupil." Option A) Organophosphates are cholinesterase inhibitors that can lead to excessive stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, causing miosis (constricted pupils) rather than mydriasis (dilated pupils). Option B) Anticholinergics cause mydriasis by blocking the parasympathetic input to the iris sphincter muscle, resulting in dilated pupils bilaterally rather than unilaterally. Option C) Narcotics can also cause miosis through their effects on the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to constricted pupils rather than dilated fixed pupils. Understanding the differential effects of these substances on pupil size and reactivity is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients, especially in emergency situations where rapid assessment and identification of potential neurological issues are essential for patient outcomes. Recognizing the specific signs associated with tentorial herniation, such as a dilated and fixed pupil, can prompt swift intervention and prevent further neurological deterioration.
Question 2 of 5
The minimum required duration for diagnosis of chronic hepatitis in a child with persistent elevation of transaminases is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) 6 months. In pediatric patients with persistent elevation of transaminases, a minimum duration of 6 months is typically required to diagnose chronic hepatitis. This extended timeframe allows healthcare providers to observe the pattern and consistency of elevated liver enzymes to differentiate between acute and chronic liver conditions. Option A) 9 months is incorrect as it exceeds the typical duration needed for diagnosis and may delay appropriate management for the child. Option B) 2 months and Option C) 4 months are also too short to establish a diagnosis of chronic hepatitis accurately. In an educational context, understanding the timeline required for diagnosis in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals caring for children with liver disorders. This knowledge ensures timely and accurate assessment and intervention, leading to improved outcomes for pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is true regarding spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric patients, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious condition characterized by the infection of ascitic fluid without an evident intra-abdominal source. The correct answer is option D) Glucose less than 30 mg/dl. In SBP, the ascitic fluid glucose level is typically low due to increased consumption by bacteria. A glucose level less than 30 mg/dl is a key diagnostic criteria for SBP. Option A) Total protein more than 1 gm is incorrect because in SBP, the ascitic fluid protein level is usually low due to leakage of protein into the peritoneal cavity. Option B) Polymorphonuclear leukocytes less than 100 cells/mm3 is incorrect because in SBP, the ascitic fluid typically shows elevated levels of PMN leukocytes, usually greater than 250 cells/mm3. Option C) Culture result polymicrobial is incorrect because SBP is usually caused by a single organism, most commonly Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Educationally, understanding the diagnostic criteria for SBP is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers working with pediatric patients with liver disease or ascites. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of SBP early can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes. It is important to remember the specific diagnostic criteria to differentiate SBP from other causes of ascitic fluid infection.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is a cause of tender hepatomegaly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Right-sided heart failure. Tender hepatomegaly is commonly seen in conditions where there is congestion of blood in the liver, such as in right-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart is unable to effectively pump blood to the lungs, leading to back up in the right side of the heart and subsequently into the liver, causing hepatomegaly. Option B) Niemann-Pick disease is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the accumulation of lipids in cells, leading to organ damage. While hepatosplenomegaly is a common feature, it is typically not tender. Option C) Biliary atresia is a congenital condition where there is obstruction of bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder. This can lead to hepatomegaly, but it is usually not tender. Option D) Gaucher's disease is another genetic disorder where there is a buildup of a fatty substance in certain organs. While hepatomegaly can occur, it is not typically tender. Educationally, understanding the differential diagnoses of hepatomegaly in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers. Recognizing the underlying causes can guide appropriate diagnostic workup and treatment interventions. In the context of the NCLEX exam, this question assesses the test-taker's knowledge of pediatric hepatobiliary conditions and their associated clinical presentations.
Question 5 of 5
Which is considered a feature suggesting functional abdominal pain in children and adolescents?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Functional abdominal pain is a common issue in children and adolescents, characterized by recurrent abdominal pain without an identifiable organic cause. The feature suggesting functional abdominal pain in this context is being well between pain episodes, which is option A. This is because functional abdominal pain typically presents as episodic discomfort that is not associated with other symptoms or signs of illness. Children with functional abdominal pain are usually healthy and have normal growth and development between episodes of pain. Dysphagia, option B, refers to difficulty swallowing and is not typically associated with functional abdominal pain. Nocturnal diarrhea, option C, is not a common feature of functional abdominal pain and may suggest other gastrointestinal issues. Persistent vomiting, option D, is also not a typical feature of functional abdominal pain and can indicate more serious underlying conditions. In an educational context, understanding the features of functional abdominal pain is crucial for healthcare professionals working with pediatric patients. Recognizing these features helps in differentiating functional abdominal pain from other causes of abdominal discomfort, leading to appropriate management and interventions. By knowing that being well between pain episodes is a key characteristic, healthcare providers can provide targeted care and support to children and adolescents experiencing this condition.