The MOST common cause of pneumomediastinum in older children and teenagers is:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) asthma. Pediatric patients with asthma are at higher risk of developing pneumomediastinum due to the increased intra-alveolar pressure during an asthma attack. This elevated pressure can lead to alveolar rupture and air leakage into the mediastinum. Asthma is a common respiratory condition in children and teenagers, making it the most frequent cause of pneumomediastinum in this age group. Option A) dental extractions and B) adenotonsillectomy are unlikely to cause pneumomediastinum in older children and teenagers, as these procedures do not involve the respiratory system directly. Option D) mycoplasma pneumonia can lead to pneumonia but is not a common cause of pneumomediastinum in this age group. Understanding the association between asthma and pneumomediastinum is crucial for pediatric respiratory nurses to provide optimal care for children and teenagers with asthma. Recognizing the risk factors and complications of asthma can help nurses in early identification and management of pneumomediastinum in this population.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pediatric respiratory nursing, understanding the most appropriate imaging modalities for different conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective patient care. In the case of assessing empyema, ultrasonography is the imaging procedure of choice for several reasons. Empyema is a collection of pus in the pleural space, and ultrasonography is excellent for visualizing fluid collections and differentiating between simple effusions and complex collections like empyema. Ultrasonography is advantageous in this scenario because it is readily available, cost-effective, does not involve radiation exposure, and can be performed at the bedside, making it particularly useful in pediatric patients. Regarding the other options: - Mediastinal lesions: Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more suitable for assessing mediastinal lesions due to the need for detailed anatomical information. - Pulmonary parenchymal lesions: Chest X-ray, CT, or MRI are preferred for evaluating pulmonary parenchymal lesions to assess the extent and characteristics of the lesions. - Congenital pulmonary malformations: CT or MRI are typically used to evaluate congenital pulmonary malformations to provide detailed anatomical information for surgical planning or monitoring. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of matching the right imaging modality to specific pediatric respiratory conditions to ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal patient outcomes. Understanding the strengths and limitations of different imaging modalities in the context of pediatric respiratory nursing is essential for providing high-quality care to pediatric patients with respiratory conditions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Choanal atresia. Choanal atresia is a condition where the back of the nasal passage is blocked by abnormal bony or soft tissue, leading to respiratory distress in newborns. When a newborn with choanal atresia cries, the oral route for breathing opens up, relieving the distress temporarily. Option B) Micrognathia, which is a small jaw, can lead to airway obstruction but is less likely to improve with crying. Option C) Macroglossia, an enlarged tongue, can also cause airway obstruction but is not typically relieved by crying. Option D) Laryngeal web is a membrane that partially blocks the airway and does not typically improve with crying. In an educational context, understanding common causes of respiratory distress in newborns is crucial for pediatric nurses. Recognizing the clinical presentation of conditions like choanal atresia can lead to prompt diagnosis and intervention, improving outcomes for newborns experiencing respiratory distress. Familiarity with these conditions is essential for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Chlamydia trachomatis. In infants 1 to 3 months of age, afebrile pneumonia is commonly caused by Chlamydia trachomatis. This bacterium is a common cause of respiratory infections in this age group due to exposure during delivery from an infected mother. Chlamydial pneumonia typically presents with a persistent cough, tachypnea, and staccato-like cough. Option B) Mycoplasma hominis is not a common cause of afebrile pneumonia in infants. Mycoplasma pneumonia usually occurs in older children and adolescents. Option C) Ureaplasma urealyticum is also an uncommon cause of pneumonia in infants. It is more commonly associated with genitourinary infections. Option D) Cytomegalovirus is known to cause pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals but is not a common cause of afebrile pneumonia in infants. Understanding the etiology of pneumonia in infants is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide appropriate care. Recognizing the common pathogens helps in prompt diagnosis and treatment. Educating healthcare providers about the specific characteristics of different pathogens enables them to make informed clinical decisions and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric respiratory nursing, understanding the causes of acute respiratory failure is crucial for providing effective care. The most frequent cause of acute respiratory failure in children is pneumonia. Pneumonia can lead to alveolar consolidation and impaired gas exchange, resulting in respiratory failure. A) Bronchiolitis primarily affects the smaller airways and can cause respiratory distress, but it is not as common of a cause of acute respiratory failure as pneumonia in the pediatric population. B) Asthma is a chronic condition characterized by reversible airway obstruction and inflammation. While asthma exacerbations can lead to respiratory distress, they are typically managed before progressing to acute respiratory failure. D) Upper airway obstruction, such as from croup or foreign body aspiration, can cause respiratory distress, but it usually presents with stridor and is not as common of a cause of acute respiratory failure as pneumonia. Educational context: By understanding that pneumonia is the most common cause of acute respiratory failure in children, nurses can prioritize assessment, monitoring, and interventions to effectively manage respiratory compromise in pediatric patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of pneumonia and understanding its impact on gas exchange are essential for providing timely and appropriate care to prevent respiratory failure in children.