ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The MOST common cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children is
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) adenotonsillar hypertrophy. In children, the most common cause of obstructive sleep apnea is the enlargement of the adenoids and tonsils, known as adenotonsillar hypertrophy. When these tissues become enlarged, they can obstruct the airway during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing and disrupted sleep patterns. Option A) obesity can also contribute to obstructive sleep apnea in children by causing excess fat deposition around the upper airway, but it is not the most common cause, as adenotonsillar hypertrophy typically plays a more significant role. Option B) allergies may cause nasal congestion and inflammation, but they are less likely to be the primary cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children compared to adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Option D) craniofacial abnormalities can indeed lead to airway obstructions, but they are less common than adenotonsillar hypertrophy as a cause of obstructive sleep apnea in children. Educational context: Understanding the common causes of obstructive sleep apnea in children is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide effective care. Recognizing adenotonsillar hypertrophy as the most frequent cause allows nurses to assess and manage this condition promptly, potentially improving a child's sleep quality and overall well-being. By differentiating between various causes, nurses can tailor interventions and education to address the specific underlying issue contributing to a child's sleep apnea.
Question 2 of 5
The MOST likely drug that causes postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing practice, understanding the pharmacological effects of different drugs is crucial for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Opioid. Opioids are known to be a common cause of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in pediatric patients. Opioids can stimulate the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brain, leading to nausea and vomiting. This adverse effect is particularly significant in the postoperative period when patients are recovering from anesthesia. Option A) Ketorolac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal side effects such as gastric irritation or ulcers rather than PONV in pediatric patients. Option B) Droperidol is an antiemetic medication often used to prevent PONV. It acts by blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, thus reducing the risk of nausea and vomiting. Option C) Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic in pediatric patients. While it is generally well-tolerated, it is not a significant cause of PONV compared to opioids. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the side effect profiles of commonly used medications in pediatric patients. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to anticipate and manage potential adverse effects such as PONV, especially in the postoperative setting where patients may be more vulnerable. By selecting the correct answer, learners can enhance their knowledge of pharmacological principles in pediatric nursing practice and improve their ability to provide comprehensive care to pediatric patients.
Question 3 of 5
A 2-year-old admitted 2 days ago is crying and inconsolable. The nurse tells the parents this is the:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the stages of separation anxiety in children is crucial for providing effective care. In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Protest stage of separation anxiety. During the protest stage, children display distress, crying, and actively seeking contact with their primary caregiver, which is evident in the 2-year-old's behavior of crying and being inconsolable. This stage reflects the child's resistance to separation and a strong attachment to their caregiver. Option A) Detachment phase is incorrect because it refers to a stage where the child appears calm but is actually withdrawing emotionally. Option B) Despair stage involves feelings of hopelessness and sadness after realizing the caregiver is not present, which does not align with the child's current behavior. Option C) Bargaining stage is not relevant to separation anxiety in children. Educationally, understanding these stages helps nurses provide holistic care by anticipating and addressing the emotional needs of pediatric patients during hospitalizations or separations from their families. It also enables nurses to support parents in coping with their child's reactions and promotes a therapeutic environment for the child's emotional well-being.
Question 4 of 5
A 3-year-old is hospitalized for an ASD repair. The parents plan to leave briefly. The child asks when his parents will return. The nurse's best response is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) They will be back when your mommy finishes a short errand, just like when you wait for bedtime. Educational Rationale: This response provides the child with a concrete and relatable timeframe, linking the parents' return to a familiar routine (waiting for bedtime). It offers the child a sense of security and understanding, helping to reduce anxiety during their parents' absence. By connecting the waiting period to a known event, the child can better grasp the concept of time and feel reassured about their parents' return. Why Others are Wrong: A) They will be back after your nap: This answer does not provide a specific timeframe and may cause confusion for the child as nap times vary. B) They will be back at 6:00 p.m.: This answer gives a specific time that a 3-year-old may not fully comprehend, leading to potential distress if the parents are delayed. C) They will be back later this evening: This response is vague and lacks the concrete connection to a familiar routine present in the correct answer. Educational Context: In pediatric nursing, effective communication with children is crucial to providing holistic care. Using language that is developmentally appropriate and relatable helps build trust and rapport with young patients. By offering explanations that connect to their daily experiences, nurses can support children's emotional well-being and foster a sense of security during stressful situations like parental separation in a hospital setting.
Question 5 of 5
A parent of a child with acute renal failure (ARF) asks why peritoneal dialysis was chosen instead of hemodialysis. Which is the best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the best response to the parent's question about choosing peritoneal dialysis over hemodialysis for their child with acute renal failure (ARF) is option C: "Peritoneal dialysis removes fluid at a slower, more controlled rate, which minimizes complications." The correct answer is right because peritoneal dialysis allows for a gradual removal of fluid and waste products from the body, which is particularly beneficial in pediatric patients with ARF. This slower and more controlled rate helps prevent rapid shifts in electrolytes and fluid balance, reducing the risk of complications such as hypotension or electrolyte imbalances. Option A is incorrect because hemodialysis can indeed be used in pediatrics, although peritoneal dialysis is often preferred in certain situations. Option B is incorrect as peritoneal dialysis, like any medical procedure, can have complications such as infection, catheter-related issues, or fluid imbalances. Option D is incorrect because hemodialysis is generally considered more efficient than peritoneal dialysis in terms of toxin removal and fluid management, but the choice between the two modalities depends on various factors including the patient's condition, age, and clinical needs. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind choosing specific dialysis modalities for pediatric patients with ARF. By selecting the most appropriate method based on individual patient factors, healthcare teams can optimize outcomes and minimize risks associated with renal replacement therapy in this vulnerable population.