Tachypnea in an 8-month-old infant is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding respiratory rates in infants is crucial as it can indicate underlying health conditions. Tachypnea, or rapid breathing, in an 8-month-old infant is typically defined as a respiratory rate above the normal range for that age group. The correct answer is B) 50 breaths/minute. Explanation: A) 60 breaths/minute: This is above the normal respiratory rate for an 8-month-old infant and would be considered tachypnea. C) 40 breaths/minute: This falls within the normal range for an infant of this age and would not be classified as tachypnea. D) 30 breaths/minute: This respiratory rate is below the normal range for an infant of this age and would not be classified as tachypnea. Educational Context: Understanding normal vital sign ranges for pediatric patients is essential for nurses to identify and respond to deviations that may indicate illness or distress. Tachypnea can be a sign of respiratory distress, infection, or other serious conditions in infants. Regular monitoring and assessment of respiratory rates in pediatric patients are critical for early identification of potential health issues and prompt intervention.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Ethambutol. Ethambutol is known to cause optic neuritis as a side effect, which can lead to visual disturbances and changes in color perception. This occurs due to its toxic effect on the optic nerve. Option A) Isoniazid is an antituberculosis agent that is associated with peripheral neuropathy, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. It does not typically cause optic neuritis. Option B) Rifampin is another antituberculosis agent that is more commonly associated with hepatotoxicity and gastrointestinal disturbances rather than optic neuritis. Option C) Pyrazinamide is known for its hepatotoxic effects and can cause hyperuricemia, arthralgia, and myalgia but is not typically linked to optic neuritis. In pediatric nursing, understanding the potential side effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Recognizing the side effects of antituberculosis agents, such as optic neuritis from Ethambutol, helps nurses monitor and manage these adverse effects promptly. This knowledge also aids in patient education and adherence to treatment plans.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Enteroviruses. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain typically caused by viral infections. Enteroviruses are the most common viral cause of encephalitis in children. They are known to affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, and in severe cases, neurological complications. Option A) Herpes simplex is a common cause of encephalitis in adults, but it is less common in children. Varicella Zoster (Option C) is associated with chickenpox and shingles, not typically encephalitis. Mumps (Option D) is more commonly associated with parotitis and orchitis rather than encephalitis. In a pediatric nursing context, understanding the common causes of encephalitis is crucial for early recognition and appropriate management. Knowing that enteroviruses are a frequent culprit in pediatric encephalitis helps nurses prioritize assessments, interventions, and education for both the child and their caregivers. It also highlights the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to reduce the risk of viral infections leading to serious neurological complications in children.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the complications of common childhood infections like mumps is crucial for providing effective care. The correct answer is C) Meningoencephalitis. Meningoencephalitis, inflammation of the brain and its surrounding membranes, is a serious complication of mumps that can lead to neurological problems, seizures, and even death. This is because the mumps virus can spread to the central nervous system, causing significant damage. Option A) Arthritis is not the most common complication of mumps. While mumps can sometimes lead to joint pain and swelling, arthritis is not the primary concern associated with this infection. Option B) Nephritis, inflammation of the kidneys, is not a typical complication of mumps. Mumps primarily affects the salivary glands and can lead to complications in other organs, but nephritis is not commonly associated with mumps. Option D) Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland, is not a common complication of mumps infection. Mumps typically affects the parotid glands, and while it can affect other organs, thyroiditis is not a primary concern in mumps cases. Educationally, understanding the complications of mumps helps healthcare providers anticipate and manage potential issues that may arise in pediatric patients. By knowing that meningoencephalitis is a serious complication of mumps, nurses and other healthcare professionals can monitor for neurological symptoms and intervene promptly to prevent serious consequences. This knowledge is vital in providing comprehensive care to pediatric patients with mumps and ensuring positive outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Mitral valve stenosis. A mid-diastolic rumble murmur at the lower left sternal border is a classic auscultatory finding in patients with mitral valve stenosis. This murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow across the narrowed mitral valve during mid-diastole. Option B) Severe mitral incompetence would typically present with a holosystolic murmur, not a mid-diastolic rumble. Option C) Aortic rheumatic carditis with mitral valvulitis would present with different auscultatory findings, possibly an early diastolic murmur. Option D) Large atrial septal defect would present with a wide, fixed split S2 and a systolic ejection murmur, not a mid-diastolic rumble. In pediatric nursing, understanding the characteristic murmurs associated with different structural heart diseases is crucial for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Recognizing these auscultatory findings can help nurses and healthcare providers identify underlying conditions early, leading to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. Regular practice with review questions like this can enhance clinical reasoning skills and strengthen knowledge in pediatric cardiovascular health.