Peak expiratory flow rate:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a valuable parameter in assessing improvement in acute bronchial asthma because it measures the maximum rate at which a person can exhale air. Option A is correct because changes in PEFR can indicate the effectiveness of therapy in managing acute asthma exacerbations. By regularly monitoring PEFR, healthcare providers can assess the severity of airflow limitation and response to treatment. Option B is incorrect because PEFR primarily reflects large airway resistance rather than small airway resistance. Small airway resistance is better assessed by other pulmonary function tests such as forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1). Option C is incorrect because PEFR is actually more related to age and gender rather than height. Age and gender can influence lung development and function, impacting PEFR values. Option D is incorrect because using PEFR to guide aminophylline therapy in acute asthma is not evidence-based practice. A PEFR less than 50% of normal may indicate severe airflow limitation, but treatment decisions should be based on clinical guidelines and individual patient factors. In an educational context, understanding the significance of PEFR in pediatric cardiovascular nursing is crucial for providing comprehensive care to children with respiratory conditions like asthma. By grasping the role of PEFR in monitoring asthma severity and treatment response, nurses can effectively collaborate with the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Giardiasis. Malabsorption refers to the impaired absorption of nutrients in the intestine. Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to malabsorption due to damage to the intestinal lining and interference with nutrient absorption processes. Option A) Ischaemia of the gut is incorrect because although gut ischemia can lead to various gastrointestinal issues, malabsorption is not a typical manifestation of this condition. Option C) Lymphoma of the ileum is incorrect because while lymphoma can affect the intestine and cause obstruction or other complications, it is not directly associated with malabsorption. Option D) Chronic lead poisoning is incorrect because although lead poisoning can cause various systemic effects, malabsorption is not a primary characteristic of this condition. Educationally, understanding the link between specific diseases or conditions and their effects on the gastrointestinal system is crucial in pediatric nursing. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of malabsorption can help nurses provide appropriate care and interventions for pediatric patients with these conditions. It is vital to differentiate between various causes of malabsorption to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management for optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this question regarding increased anion gap, the correct answer is A) Uraemia. An increased anion gap typically indicates the presence of unmeasured anions in the blood, such as lactate, ketones, or sulfates. Uraemia, which refers to the presence of excessive urea and other nitrogenous waste compounds in the blood due to kidney dysfunction, can lead to an increased anion gap. Option B) Starvation is incorrect because while it can lead to metabolic changes, it is not typically associated with an increased anion gap. Option C) Renal tubular acidosis is also incorrect as it is a condition where the kidneys are unable to acidify urine properly, but it does not directly cause an increased anion gap. Option D) Acetazolamide therapy is incorrect as well, as this medication is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor and can lead to metabolic acidosis, but not specifically to an increased anion gap. Educationally, understanding the concept of anion gap is crucial in pharmacology and pediatric cardiovascular nursing as it helps in diagnosing and managing various conditions, such as metabolic acidosis. It is important for healthcare professionals to be able to interpret lab values accurately to provide optimal care for pediatric patients with cardiovascular issues.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B: Abdominal circumference measured by USG is a diagnostic parameter for Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). This answer is correct because in cases of IUGR, assessing the abdominal circumference through ultrasound is crucial in diagnosing the condition accurately. Abdominal circumference is a more sensitive indicator of growth restriction compared to other parameters like head circumference or femur length. Option A is incorrect because while growth hormone deficiency can be a complication in some cases of IUGR, it is not a recognized complication in later life that is directly associated with IUGR. Option C is incorrect because perinatal morbidity is actually higher in symmetric IUGR, not asymmetric IUGR. Symmetric IUGR is characterized by proportionate growth restriction affecting all parts of the fetus equally. Option D is incorrect because while nutrition can be a factor in causing IUGR, it is not the most common cause in the UK. Other factors such as placental insufficiency, maternal health conditions, and genetic factors also play significant roles in the etiology of IUGR. Educationally, understanding the diagnostic parameters and factors associated with IUGR is crucial for healthcare providers working in pediatric cardiovascular nursing. It is important to be able to differentiate between various types of growth restriction and understand the implications for both the fetus and newborn. This knowledge helps in providing appropriate care and interventions to improve outcomes for infants affected by IUGR.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In scabies, the correct answer is A) Itching is due to sensitization by the mite. This is because scabies is a parasitic infestation caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei that burrows into the skin, leading to an allergic reaction and intense itching as the body reacts to the presence of the mite and its products. Option B) Vesicles may be seen in children is incorrect because scabies typically presents as papules, burrows, and nodules rather than vesicles. Vesicles are more commonly associated with conditions like herpes simplex or varicella. Option C) The organism is easily demonstrated is incorrect because diagnosing scabies requires identifying mites, eggs, or fecal matter under a microscope, which can be challenging and may require multiple skin scrapings. Option D) Spread can occur through clothes and bedding is incorrect because scabies is primarily transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infested individual. While transmission through shared clothing or bedding is possible, it is less common compared to direct contact. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic criteria of scabies is crucial for healthcare providers, especially those working in pediatric settings. By knowing the correct information about scabies, healthcare professionals can accurately diagnose and manage this condition in pediatric patients, ensuring appropriate treatment and prevention strategies are implemented.