ATI RN
Pediatric Cardiovascular Disorders Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 5
Sinus bradycardia in neonates is considered if sinus rate is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In neonates, sinus bradycardia is considered when the sinus rate is <100 beats/min. This is the correct answer because neonates have higher baseline heart rates compared to older children and adults. A heart rate <100 beats/min in a neonate may indicate inadequate cardiac output and requires further evaluation and management. Option B) <90 beats/min is incorrect because it may be within the normal range for older children and adults but is not appropriate for neonates. Option C) <80 beats/min and Option D) <70 beats/min are even lower and would indicate more severe bradycardia in neonates, requiring immediate intervention. It is crucial for pediatric nurses to understand the normal vital signs for different age groups, especially neonates who have unique physiological parameters. Recognizing abnormal heart rates in neonates is essential for early intervention to prevent complications. Nurses caring for pediatric patients must be knowledgeable about assessing and interpreting vital signs accurately to provide safe and effective care.
Question 2 of 5
Of the following, the cyanotic cardiac lesion with decreased pulmonary blood flow is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric pharmacology, understanding pediatric cardiovascular disorders is crucial for nursing professionals. The correct answer to the question is option D, tricuspid atresia. Tricuspid atresia is a cyanotic cardiac lesion with decreased pulmonary blood flow because the tricuspid valve is completely absent in this condition. This results in deoxygenated blood bypassing the right ventricle and flowing directly into the pulmonary circulation, causing decreased pulmonary blood flow. Option A, transposition of the great vessels, involves a mixing of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood due to the aorta arising from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arising from the left ventricle, leading to increased pulmonary blood flow. Option B, single ventricle, and option C, truncus arteriosus, both present with increased pulmonary blood flow due to abnormal connections and shunting of blood in the heart. Understanding these distinctions is vital for nurses caring for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders as it impacts treatment strategies, monitoring, and overall patient outcomes. By comprehensively grasping the pathophysiology of these conditions, nurses can provide effective and individualized care to pediatric patients with cyanotic cardiac lesions.
Question 3 of 5
For one of the following, total repair is really achieved, with no requirement for long-term follow-up
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric cardiovascular disorders, understanding the long-term management and outcomes of different conditions is crucial for nursing practice. In this question, the correct answer is D) uncomplicated isolated pulmonic stenosis. Total repair with no requirement for long-term follow-up is achievable in uncomplicated isolated pulmonic stenosis cases where the stenosis is effectively corrected without significant residual issues. This is because once the obstruction is relieved, the heart can function normally without the need for ongoing monitoring or interventions. Regarding the other options: A) Atrial septal defects and B) Ventricular septal defects usually require long-term follow-up even after repair to monitor for potential complications such as arrhythmias, valve problems, or residual defects. C) Pulmonic stenosis, while it can be corrected, may still require monitoring for potential restenosis or other complications post-repair. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of different pediatric cardiovascular disorders and their post-repair management. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be knowledgeable about which conditions may require ongoing monitoring and which may not, to provide optimal care for pediatric patients with these conditions.
Question 4 of 5
Severe pulmonary valve stenosis is defined as a peak gradient of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric cardiovascular disorders, understanding the severity of pulmonary valve stenosis is crucial for appropriate management. The correct answer, option C (>50 mm Hg), is indicative of severe pulmonary valve stenosis. When the peak gradient across the pulmonary valve exceeds 50 mm Hg, it suggests significant obstruction to blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery. Option A (>40 mm Hg) is incorrect because it represents a lower threshold and may indicate moderate stenosis rather than severe stenosis. Option B (>45 mm Hg) is also incorrect as it falls below the critical threshold for defining severe pulmonary valve stenosis. Option D (>55 mm Hg) is incorrect as it exceeds the typical cutoff used to define severe stenosis. Educationally, knowing these specific peak gradient values is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders. It guides clinical decision-making, such as the need for interventions like balloon valvuloplasty or surgical correction. Understanding these nuances helps nurses provide optimal care and advocate for timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
Depending on the frequency and severity of hypercyanotic attacks in tetralogy of Fallot, all the following procedures are true EXCEPT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the management of hypercyanotic attacks in tetralogy of Fallot, it is crucial to understand the appropriate interventions to ensure positive outcomes. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) rapid correction with intravenous sodium bicarbonate. This option is incorrect because giving sodium bicarbonate can worsen acidosis, leading to further compromise in patients with tetralogy of Fallot experiencing hypercyanotic attacks. A) Placement of the infant in the knee-chest position is a correct intervention as it helps improve systemic vascular resistance, decrease the right-to-left shunt, and enhance pulmonary blood flow, thereby reducing cyanosis. B) Administration of oxygen is also a correct intervention as it helps increase oxygen saturation levels in the blood, alleviating cyanosis and improving tissue oxygenation. C) Injection of morphine subcutaneously is a correct intervention as it can help reduce systemic vascular resistance, decrease anxiety and distress in the patient, and improve oxygen delivery to tissues. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each intervention is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients with cardiovascular disorders. This knowledge equips them with the skills needed to provide prompt and effective care during acute episodes, ensuring better patient outcomes. It also highlights the importance of individualized care and the significance of evidence-based practice in pediatric pharmacology.