ATI RN
Pediatric Nurse Exam Sample Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the procedure Look-Listen-Feel is used for?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, the Look-Listen-Feel procedure is utilized to assess for breathing in a child. This sequence involves looking for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow. The correct answer is C) To assess for breathing because this technique allows the nurse to comprehensively evaluate the child's respiratory status, which is crucial in pediatric assessments due to the higher vulnerability of children to respiratory issues. Option A) To assess for responsiveness is incorrect because Look-Listen-Feel is specific to assessing breathing, not responsiveness. Option B) To assess for airway patency is incorrect as this step involves different techniques such as checking for obstructions, not the specific process of Look-Listen-Feel. Option D) To assess for circulation is incorrect because circulation assessment involves other methods like checking for pulses and skin color, not part of the Look-Listen-Feel sequence. Educationally, understanding the correct use of the Look-Listen-Feel procedure is vital for pediatric nurses as it helps them accurately and swiftly assess a child's breathing status, enabling prompt interventions if any issues are identified, thereby potentially preventing respiratory complications in pediatric patients.
Question 2 of 5
Reticulocytic count is expected to be low in one of the following conditions:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is option B) Aplastic anemia. In aplastic anemia, there is a decrease in the production of red blood cells, including reticulocytes which are immature red blood cells. This leads to a low reticulocytic count as the bone marrow is not able to generate enough new red blood cells. Option A) Acute hemorrhage would typically result in a high reticulocytic count as the body tries to compensate for the blood loss by producing more red blood cells. Option C) Sickle cell disease and option D) Hereditary spherocytosis are both conditions characterized by abnormal shapes or structures of red blood cells but do not directly affect the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow, so they would not cause a low reticulocytic count. Educationally, understanding the relationship between different conditions and their impact on blood cell production is crucial for pediatric nurses. Recognizing patterns in lab results can aid in diagnosing and managing various pediatric hematologic disorders effectively. It is essential for nurses to interpret laboratory values accurately to provide appropriate care and interventions for their pediatric patients.
Question 3 of 5
In pediatric shock, which of the following is a cause of obstructive shock?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric shock, obstructive shock occurs due to mechanical obstruction to blood flow. The correct answer is C) Severe aortic stenosis because it leads to obstruction of blood flow from the left ventricle, causing decreased cardiac output and subsequent shock. Option A) Myocardial infarction is incorrect because it typically leads to distributive shock due to systemic vasodilation. Option B) Myocarditis is incorrect as it causes cardiogenic shock due to myocardial dysfunction rather than mechanical obstruction. Option D) Severe mitral regurgitation is incorrect as it causes cardiogenic shock by decreasing forward blood flow, not by obstructing blood flow. Understanding the etiology of different types of shock in pediatric patients is crucial for nurses to provide timely and appropriate interventions. Recognizing the specific causes of obstructive shock can help nurses implement targeted treatments such as inotropic support or surgical interventions to alleviate the obstruction and improve cardiac output. This knowledge is essential for pediatric nurses to effectively manage critically ill children and optimize patient outcomes.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following can be a cause of obstructive shock in children?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding the causes of obstructive shock is crucial for providing timely and accurate care to children in critical conditions. The correct answer is C) Severe aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis can lead to obstructive shock in children by causing a blockage in the aortic valve, leading to impaired blood flow out of the heart and reduced cardiac output. This can result in decreased perfusion to vital organs, leading to shock. Option A) Anaphylaxis is a form of distributive shock, not obstructive shock. It results from a systemic allergic reaction causing vasodilation and increased capillary permeability. Option B) Myocarditis is a cause of cardiogenic shock, not obstructive shock. It occurs due to inflammation of the heart muscle, leading to decreased cardiac function. Option D) Severe mitral regurgitation is also a cause of cardiogenic shock, not obstructive shock. It occurs when the mitral valve does not close properly, causing backflow of blood into the left atrium. Educationally, understanding the different types of shock and their causes is essential for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the specific etiology of shock can guide appropriate interventions and treatments, improving outcomes for children in critical situations.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is a likely cause of metabolic acidosis with a large anion gap?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Metabolic acidosis with a large anion gap is often caused by the accumulation of acids like lactic acid, ketoacids, or toxins such as salicylates. In this scenario, option C, Salicylate overdose, is the likely cause. Salicylate overdose can lead to an increase in the anion gap due to the accumulation of salicylic acid and its metabolites. Option A, Diarrhea, typically causes non-anion gap metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate in the stool. Option B, Renal failure on regular dialysis, is less likely to cause metabolic acidosis with a large anion gap as dialysis helps in removing excess acids and correcting acid-base imbalances. Option D, Severe chronic iron deficiency anemia, does not directly contribute to metabolic acidosis with a large anion gap. In an educational context, understanding the causes of metabolic acidosis and how to interpret anion gap values is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care to children with complex medical conditions. Recognizing the etiology of acid-base imbalances helps nurses intervene promptly and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.