ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Exam Preparation Questions
Question 1 of 5
The following inotropic drugs can be used in acute shock Except:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the use of inotropic drugs in acute shock is crucial for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients. In this question, the correct answer is D) Milrinone, as it is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that is not typically used as a first-line inotrope in acute shock situations in pediatric patients. A) Digitalis is a cardiac glycoside that can be used in certain cases of heart failure but is not a primary choice for acute shock due to its slower onset of action and potential toxicities in pediatric patients. B) Dopamine is a commonly used inotrope in pediatric patients with acute shock as it helps improve cardiac output and blood pressure. C) Dobutamine is another inotropic agent commonly used in pediatric patients with acute shock to improve cardiac contractility and output. Milrinone, the correct answer, is not typically the first choice in pediatric patients with acute shock due to its potential for causing hypotension and arrhythmias, especially in patients with underlying cardiac issues. Educationally, understanding the appropriate use of inotropic drugs in pediatric patients is essential for nurses caring for critically ill children. It is important to know the indications, contraindications, side effects, and appropriate dosages of these medications to ensure safe and effective care. By grasping the differences between various inotropic agents, nurses can make informed decisions in managing pediatric patients with acute shock, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
Physiological responses to serious illness include increase of the following Except:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the physiological responses to serious illness is crucial for providing effective care. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Blood pressure. During serious illness, the body's sympathetic nervous system is often activated, leading to an increase in heart rate (B), respiratory rate (C), and the action of accessory respiratory muscles (D) to meet increased metabolic demands and oxygen needs. Blood pressure, however, may not always increase in response to serious illness in children. In conditions like septic shock, hypovolemic shock, or certain neurologic conditions, blood pressure can actually decrease as a compensatory mechanism. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the nuances of physiological responses in pediatric patients. Nurses must be able to recognize and interpret these changes to provide timely and appropriate interventions. By grasping these concepts, nurses can better assess and manage pediatric patients in critical conditions, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
A nine-year-old boy with Hodgkin's lymphoma and a large right cervical and axillary lymph node falls into which staging classification:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric oncology, staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma is crucial for treatment planning and prognosis. In this case, the correct staging classification for a nine-year-old boy with Hodgkin's lymphoma and large right cervical and axillary lymph nodes would be Stage II-B. Explanation of why D) Stage II-B is correct: Stage II-B indicates involvement of multiple lymph node regions on the same side of the diaphragm. The presence of large right cervical and axillary lymph nodes in this scenario supports the classification as Stage II-B, as these nodes are on the same side of the diaphragm. Explanation of why others are wrong: A) Stage 1-A and B) Stage 1-B indicate involvement of single lymph node region on one side of the diaphragm only. Given the description of large right cervical and axillary lymph nodes, these options can be ruled out as they do not align with the extent of lymph node involvement described. C) Stage II-A indicates involvement of multiple lymph node regions on both sides of the diaphragm, which is not the case in this scenario where the nodes are on one side only. Educational context: Understanding the staging criteria for pediatric cancers like Hodgkin's lymphoma is essential for nurses caring for pediatric oncology patients. It helps in proper assessment, communication with the healthcare team, and providing optimal care to these vulnerable patients. Being able to differentiate between the different stages ensures appropriate interventions and monitoring tailored to the specific disease extent.
Question 4 of 5
One of the following can cause thrombocytopenia with decreased megakaryocytes in bone marrow:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Aplastic anemia. Aplastic anemia is a condition characterized by bone marrow failure, leading to a decrease in all blood cell types, including platelets (thrombocytopenia) and decreased production of megakaryocytes, which are the precursors to platelets. A) ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura) is characterized by the destruction of platelets by the immune system, not a decrease in megakaryocytes. C) Hypersplenism is a condition where the spleen removes blood components, including platelets, but it does not directly affect megakaryocyte production in the bone marrow. D) DIC (Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation) is a condition where there is widespread activation of coagulation factors leading to consumption of platelets, but it does not cause decreased megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Educationally, understanding the relationship between specific diseases and their effects on the bone marrow and blood cell production is crucial in pediatric nursing. This knowledge helps in accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and management of pediatric patients with hematologic disorders. It is important for nurses to be able to differentiate between different conditions that can present with thrombocytopenia to provide effective and timely care to pediatric patients.
Question 5 of 5
A child has just been intubated due to cardiopulmonary arrest. Air entry is unequal on both sides of the chest. What should be done urgently?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct urgent action is to pull the endotracheal tube out 1 cm and re-check for optimal placement. Unequal air entry after intubation could indicate that the tube is not positioned correctly, potentially leading to inadequate ventilation or complications. By adjusting the tube position, you can ensure proper airflow to both lungs and optimize oxygenation. Option A, getting a chest X-ray urgently, may delay necessary immediate action. While a chest X-ray is important for verifying tube placement, it is not the most urgent step in this critical situation. Ignoring and continuing resuscitation (Option B) can be dangerous as it overlooks the potential issue with tube placement, leading to ineffective ventilation. Suctioning the endotracheal tube (Option C) is not the priority when unequal air entry is observed. The primary concern is ensuring proper tube placement to maintain adequate oxygenation. In an educational context, understanding the significance of proper endotracheal tube placement in pediatric emergencies is crucial for nurses. This scenario highlights the importance of quick and appropriate interventions to address respiratory issues effectively and prevent further complications in critically ill children.