ATI RN
Pediatric Nursing Exam Flashcards Questions
Question 1 of 5
Total body sodium depletion is a feature of which of the following:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Dilute artificial formula. Total body sodium depletion occurs when there is an inadequate amount of sodium in the body. In this scenario, dilute artificial formula would lead to sodium depletion because the formula lacks the necessary sodium content required by the body for proper functioning. Therefore, choosing this option as the correct answer is essential in understanding the correlation between sodium levels and artificial formula intake in pediatric patients. A) SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is not associated with total body sodium depletion. In SIADH, there is excessive retention of water, leading to dilutional hyponatremia rather than sodium depletion. B) Psychogenic polydipsia is characterized by excessive thirst and fluid intake, but it does not directly result in total body sodium depletion. It may lead to water intoxication but not sodium depletion. D) Nephrotic syndrome is a condition characterized by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. While it can lead to sodium retention, it is not typically associated with total body sodium depletion. Educationally, understanding the causes and effects of total body sodium depletion in pediatric patients is crucial for nursing practice. It emphasizes the importance of proper nutrition and formula preparation in maintaining electrolyte balance in children. Understanding these concepts can help nurses provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients at risk for electrolyte imbalances.
Question 2 of 5
Regarding sodium homeostasis, what is the volume of distribution of sodium?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding sodium homeostasis is crucial for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients. The volume of distribution of sodium refers to the theoretical volume in which a given amount of sodium would need to be uniformly distributed to produce the observed serum sodium concentration. The correct answer is D) 0.6. This value represents the volume of distribution of sodium in the body, indicating that sodium is largely distributed in the extracellular fluid compartment. In pediatric patients, maintaining sodium homeostasis is essential for proper fluid balance, nerve function, and overall health. Option A) 0.2 is incorrect because it is too low to reflect the actual distribution of sodium in the body. Option B) 0.3 is also too low and does not accurately represent the volume of distribution of sodium. Option C) 0.5 is closer to the correct answer but still underestimates the actual volume of distribution of sodium in the body. Educationally, understanding the concept of volume of distribution of sodium in pediatric patients is important for nurses to assess and manage electrolyte imbalances, especially in conditions such as dehydration, hyponatremia, or hypernatremia. By grasping this concept, nurses can make informed decisions regarding fluid and electrolyte interventions to promote optimal health outcomes for pediatric patients.
Question 3 of 5
A 4-year-old child needs an endotracheal tube. What is the most suitable internal diameter (ID) size?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, selecting the appropriate endotracheal tube size is crucial to ensure proper airway management and ventilation. For a 4-year-old child, the most suitable internal diameter (ID) size would be A) ID 5. The rationale behind choosing ID 5 is that it aligns with the general guideline of selecting an endotracheal tube size based on the child's age. A 4-year-old child typically has a smaller airway diameter compared to older children or adults, hence a smaller tube size is appropriate to prevent complications like airway trauma or obstruction. Option B) ID 4 is too small and may lead to increased airway resistance and inadequate ventilation. Option C) ID 7 and Option D) ID 6 are larger sizes more suited for older children or adults, which could cause difficulties in proper placement and ventilation in a 4-year-old child. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind selecting appropriate endotracheal tube sizes based on age and airway anatomy is fundamental for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care to pediatric patients requiring airway management. It emphasizes the importance of individualizing care based on the child's specific needs to prevent potential complications and ensure optimal outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Hyperkalemia with a normal total body potassium can be caused by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of hyperkalemia is crucial for providing safe and effective care to children. In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Major trauma. Hyperkalemia with a normal total body potassium can occur in the setting of major trauma due to the release of potassium from damaged cells, such as muscle cells, into the bloodstream. This sudden influx of potassium can lead to elevated serum levels without an actual increase in total body potassium. Option A) Hyperaldosteronism is incorrect because hyperaldosteronism typically leads to hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia. Aldosterone promotes potassium excretion by the kidneys. Option B) Large amounts of potassium in IV fluids is unlikely to cause hyperkalemia with normal total body potassium because excess potassium from IV fluids would contribute to an overall increase in total body potassium. Option D) Metabolic alkalosis is also an unlikely cause of hyperkalemia with normal total body potassium. Metabolic alkalosis tends to shift potassium into cells, reducing serum levels. Educationally, this question emphasizes the importance of considering different etiologies of hyperkalemia in pediatric patients. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of hyperkalemia in various clinical scenarios, nurses can accurately assess and manage children with electrolyte imbalances, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
During cardiopulmonary resuscitation of an infant, how should chest compressions be performed?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, performing chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical skill that must be done correctly to ensure the best outcome for the infant. The correct answer, option D, "With 2 fingers of one hand," is based on the anatomical differences between infants and adults. Infants have smaller and more delicate chests compared to adults, requiring a different technique for chest compressions. Using two fingers (index and middle finger) of one hand allows for proper pressure application on the infant's chest without causing harm. This method ensures that the compressions are effective in circulating blood and oxygenating vital organs during CPR. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because using the heel of one hand, four fingers, or one hand alone may apply excessive force on the infant's delicate chest, potentially causing injury or not providing adequate compression depth. Understanding the correct technique for pediatric CPR is crucial for healthcare providers working with infants to prevent complications and improve survival rates during resuscitation efforts. Educationally, it is essential to teach healthcare professionals the specific techniques for performing CPR on infants to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care in emergency situations. By emphasizing the importance of using two fingers for chest compressions in infants, educators can help reinforce proper practices that align with best pediatric nursing standards and guidelines.