The following are true of vitamin K:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pediatric pharmacology, understanding the role of vitamin K is crucial for ensuring optimal health outcomes, especially in newborns. The correct answer, option C, states that after infancy, most vitamin K is synthesized by the gut flora. This is accurate because newborns have limited stores of vitamin K at birth and rely on gut bacteria to produce it, making them vulnerable to vitamin K deficiency-related issues like bleeding disorders. Option A, stating that vitamin K is a water-soluble vitamin, is incorrect. Vitamin K is actually a fat-soluble vitamin, crucial for blood clotting and bone health. Option B, claiming that vitamin K is found mainly in red meat, is also incorrect. While some dietary sources of vitamin K include green leafy vegetables, fish, and meat, the main dietary source is not limited to red meat. Option D, suggesting that low levels of vitamin K after birth may lead to intracerebral hemorrhage, is incorrect. Inadequate levels of vitamin K can indeed result in bleeding disorders, but intracerebral hemorrhage specifically is associated with vitamin K deficiency in newborns, not just low levels after birth. Educationally, this question highlights the significance of vitamin K in pediatric care, emphasizing the need for awareness of its sources, functions, and implications for newborn health. Understanding the specific role of gut flora in synthesizing vitamin K post-infancy is essential for healthcare providers working with pediatric populations to prevent and address potential deficiencies that could lead to serious complications like bleeding disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the appropriate routes of drug administration is crucial for safe and effective care. In the context of the given question on drugs administered subcutaneously, the correct answer is A) Human GH (growth hormone). Human GH is typically administered subcutaneously because it is a large protein molecule that would be destroyed in the gastrointestinal tract if taken orally. Subcutaneous administration allows for slow and sustained absorption, making it an ideal route for this type of medication. On the other hand, options B) Insulin and C) Human erythropoietin are commonly administered subcutaneously as well. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and subcutaneous administration provides a rapid onset of action. Human erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, and subcutaneous administration allows for easy and convenient dosing. Option D) Hepatitis B vaccine, however, is typically administered via intramuscular injection, not subcutaneously. Intramuscular administration helps promote a robust immune response necessary for vaccination. Understanding the appropriate routes of drug administration in pediatrics is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about which drugs are suitable for subcutaneous administration and understand the rationale behind each route to provide optimal care for pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the common reasons for performing a bone marrow transplant (BMT) is crucial for providing safe and effective care to children with specific conditions. The correct answer, option A, SCID (severe combined immunodeficiency), is a primary indication for BMT in children. SCID is a severe genetic disorder that impairs the immune system, making affected children highly susceptible to infections. A BMT can provide these children with a healthy immune system, potentially saving their lives. Option B, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a common pediatric cancer but is typically treated with chemotherapy and other targeted therapies rather than BMT as the first-line treatment. Option C, CML (chronic myeloid leukemia), is also a type of leukemia that can be managed with targeted therapy like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, not necessarily requiring a BMT in all cases. Option D, Gaucher's disease, is a metabolic disorder that affects the body's ability to break down lipids but is not typically treated with BMT. Educationally, knowing the specific indications for BMT in pediatric patients helps nurses and healthcare providers make informed clinical decisions. It highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans based on the underlying condition and its response to various therapies. This knowledge enhances nursing practice by promoting evidence-based care and improving patient outcomes through appropriate treatment modalities.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this question related to pediatric pharmacology, the correct answer is option A) Lactose intolerance. Secretory diarrhea is caused by an increase in the secretion of electrolytes and water into the intestinal lumen. Lactose intolerance is not a cause of secretory diarrhea but rather osmotic diarrhea due to the inability to digest lactose. Option B) E. coli infection can cause secretory diarrhea as certain strains of E. coli produce enterotoxins that stimulate fluid secretion in the intestines. Option C) Congenital chloridorrhoea is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive loss of chloride in sweat and secretions but is not a common cause of secretory diarrhea. Option D) Blind loop syndrome can lead to bacterial overgrowth and malabsorption, resulting in diarrhea, but it is not a typical cause of secretory diarrhea. Educationally, understanding the different causes of diarrhea in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses. Recognizing the specific etiology of diarrhea helps in appropriate treatment and management strategies. It is important for nurses to grasp the differences between secretory and osmotic diarrhea to provide effective care to pediatric patients with gastrointestinal issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the characteristics of different conditions is crucial for accurate assessment and treatment. In the case of toddler's diarrhea, the correct answer is D) Undigested food particles in the stool. This is because toddler's diarrhea is a common condition in young children where food moves quickly through the digestive tract, leading to undigested food particles in the stool. Option A) Onset over 18 months is incorrect because toddler's diarrhea typically occurs in children between the ages of 6 months to 2 years, not specifically over 18 months. Option B) Failure to thrive is incorrect because while toddler's diarrhea can lead to temporary weight loss due to rapid passage of food, it is not a defining characteristic of the condition. Option C) Excessive consumption of cow's milk is incorrect because while cow's milk can sometimes exacerbate diarrhea in young children, it is not the defining characteristic of toddler's diarrhea. Educationally, it is important for nurses to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of toddler's diarrhea to provide appropriate care and education to parents. Understanding the pathophysiology behind toddler's diarrhea helps in differentiating it from other causes of diarrhea in toddlers and guides the development of effective nursing interventions.