ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 5
The most common cause of neonatal cholestasis is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Biliary atresia. Biliary atresia is the most common cause of neonatal cholestasis, which is a condition characterized by the obstruction of bile flow from the liver to the intestine. This obstruction can lead to liver damage and impaired bile excretion. Option A) Idiopathic neonatal hepatitis is a broad term that refers to liver inflammation of unknown cause in neonates. While it can present with cholestasis, it is not the most common cause. Option B) ABO incompatibility is a condition where the mother's blood type is incompatible with the baby's, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. This condition affects the red blood cells, not the liver. Option C) Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a genetic disorder that impairs bile flow from the liver, but it is not as common as biliary atresia in causing neonatal cholestasis. Understanding the most common causes of neonatal cholestasis is crucial for nurses caring for newborns. Early identification and management of biliary atresia are essential to prevent further liver damage and improve outcomes for the infant. Nurses play a key role in monitoring newborns for signs of cholestasis and facilitating prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment.
Question 2 of 5
The earliest sign of congestive heart failure on chest X-ray is
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Increased heart size. In pediatric patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), the earliest sign on a chest X-ray is typically an increase in heart size. This is due to the heart's attempt to compensate for its decreased function by enlarging. This sign can be seen before other signs of CHF manifest, making it a crucial indicator for early detection. Option B) Pulmonary edema is a manifestation of advanced CHF, where fluid accumulates in the lungs due to the heart's inability to pump effectively. This is a later sign seen on a chest X-ray in CHF. Option C) Pulmonary vascular congestion refers to engorgement of the pulmonary blood vessels which can be seen on chest X-ray in CHF, but it usually appears after heart enlargement. Option D) Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs, which can occur in CHF but is not typically the earliest sign seen on a chest X-ray. Understanding these early signs of CHF in pediatric patients is vital for nurses and healthcare providers working in pediatric settings. Recognizing these signs promptly can lead to timely interventions and improved outcomes for children with CHF. Regular training and education on interpreting diagnostic tests like chest X-rays are essential for healthcare professionals caring for pediatric patients with cardiac conditions.
Question 3 of 5
pH 7.14, PaCO2 80 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mmol/L, and PaO2 60 mm Hg. How would you interpret this
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated. To interpret the ABG values provided, we need to analyze the pH, PaCO2, HCO3, and PaO2 levels. A pH of 7.14 indicates acidosis (below the normal range of 7.35-7.45). The PaCO2 of 80 mm Hg is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 level of 24 mmol/L is within the normal range, suggesting no compensation by the kidneys. The PaO2 of 60 mm Hg is low, indicating hypoxemia. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to inadequate ventilation leading to CO2 retention, resulting in decreased pH. In this case, the pH and PaCO2 values align with respiratory acidosis without any compensatory mechanisms in place, hence being labeled as "uncompensated." The other options are incorrect because they do not match the ABG values provided. Metabolic acidosis would have a low HCO3 level, metabolic alkalosis would have an elevated HCO3 level, and partial compensation would show HCO3 levels moving in the opposite direction to PaCO2, which is not the case here. Understanding ABG interpretation is crucial in pediatric nursing as it helps in assessing a child's respiratory and metabolic status, guiding treatment decisions, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in critically ill pediatric patients. Regular practice and understanding of ABG analysis are essential skills for pediatric nurses to provide safe and efficient care to pediatric patients.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following is a cause of obstructive shock?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of shock is crucial for providing effective care to children in critical situations. The correct answer is A) Tension pneumothorax as a cause of obstructive shock. Tension pneumothorax is a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse and putting pressure on the mediastinum, leading to impaired venous return and decreased cardiac output, ultimately resulting in obstructive shock. Option B) Anaphylaxis is a type of distributive shock caused by a severe allergic reaction, leading to widespread vasodilation and capillary leakage. Option C) Sepsis is a type of distributive shock caused by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Option D) Hemorrhage is a type of hypovolemic shock caused by blood loss leading to decreased circulating volume. Educationally, understanding the different types of shock and their causes is vital for pediatric nurses to quickly identify and intervene in life-threatening situations. Recognizing the specific etiology of shock enables nurses to provide targeted and timely interventions to stabilize the child's condition and prevent further deterioration.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following clinical scenarios would most increase your degree of suspicion for bacterial endocarditis in a child?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Fever, new cardiac murmur, splenomegaly. This clinical scenario raises suspicion for bacterial endocarditis in a child due to the classic signs and symptoms associated with the condition. Fever is a common presenting symptom in bacterial endocarditis, indicating an underlying infection. A new cardiac murmur suggests the presence of a heart valve abnormality, which can be caused by infective endocarditis. Splenomegaly is a sign of systemic involvement and can occur in bacterial endocarditis due to emboli reaching the spleen. Option B is incorrect because sudden onset leg swelling is not a typical presentation of bacterial endocarditis. Option C is incorrect as a positive CRP and skin lesion are more suggestive of other conditions like cellulitis or abscess formation. Option D is incorrect as a positive ASO titre and marked hepatomegaly are not specific to bacterial endocarditis. In an educational context, understanding the key clinical features of bacterial endocarditis is crucial for pediatric nurses to recognize and promptly intervene in suspected cases. This knowledge can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, thus improving outcomes for pediatric patients with this serious condition.