ATI RN
RN Nursing Care of Children Online Practice 2019 A Questions
Question 1 of 5
What organism is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is C) Giardia lamblia. Giardia lamblia is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea in children. It is important for nursing students to understand this because parasitic infections can present with specific symptoms and require targeted treatment. Giardia lamblia is commonly associated with contaminated water sources and can cause significant gastrointestinal issues in children. Option A) Shigella organisms typically cause bacillary dysentery, which is characterized by bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. While Shigella can cause diarrhea, it is not a parasite. Option B) Salmonella organisms are usually associated with foodborne infections that can lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Salmonella is a bacterium, not a parasite. Option D) Escherichia coli can also cause diarrhea, but it is a bacterium rather than a parasite. Some strains of E. coli can cause severe gastrointestinal illness, but they are not classified as parasites. Understanding the differences between various pathogens that can cause diarrhea is crucial for nurses caring for children, as it helps in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection. By knowing the specific characteristics of different organisms, nurses can provide effective care and educate families on prevention strategies.
Question 2 of 5
What type of shock is characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction causing massive vasodilation and capillary leaks, which may occur with drug or latex allergy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is characterized by a hypersensitivity reaction that leads to massive vasodilation and capillary leaks. In cases of severe allergic reactions, such as those triggered by drugs or latex, the body releases large amounts of histamine and other inflammatory substances, causing widespread blood vessel dilation and increased permeability of capillaries. This results in a drop in blood pressure, compromised tissue perfusion, and potentially life-threatening complications. Option A) Neurogenic shock is caused by spinal cord injury or trauma, leading to widespread vasodilation due to loss of sympathetic tone. This is not related to hypersensitivity reactions like in the given scenario. Option B) Cardiogenic shock is due to heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to poor tissue perfusion. This is not related to the mechanisms of anaphylactic shock. Option C) Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant loss of blood or fluid volume, leading to decreased circulating volume and subsequent inadequate tissue perfusion. While it is important to consider in cases of shock, it does not match the pathophysiology described in the question. In an educational context, understanding the different types of shock and their underlying mechanisms is crucial for nurses caring for children. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and hypotension, is essential for prompt intervention and management. Nurses should be prepared to administer epinephrine, provide airway support, and initiate fluid resuscitation as part of the emergency treatment for anaphylaxis. This knowledge and preparedness can make a significant difference in the outcomes for children experiencing severe allergic reactions.
Question 3 of 5
What clinical manifestation(s) should the nurse expect to see as shock progresses in a child and becomes decompensated shock?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of pediatric shock, the correct answer is D) Confusion and somnolence because as shock progresses and becomes decompensated, the child's body is no longer able to compensate for the inadequate tissue perfusion. This leads to a decreased level of consciousness, confusion, and eventually somnolence as the brain becomes severely hypoperfused. Option A) Thirst is an early sign of shock, not a late manifestation seen in decompensated shock. Option B) Irritability and C) Apprehension are also early signs of shock due to sympathetic nervous system activation, but as shock worsens, the child's mental status shifts from agitation to confusion and eventually somnolence. Educationally, understanding the progression of shock symptoms is crucial for nurses caring for pediatric patients. Recognizing the signs of decompensated shock promptly is essential to initiate appropriate interventions and prevent further deterioration. Monitoring for changes in mental status, along with vital signs and perfusion parameters, is vital in the assessment and management of pediatric patients in shock.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is preparing a presentation on compensated, decompensated, and irreversible shock in children. What clinical manifestations related to decompensated shock should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of pediatric shock, understanding the clinical manifestations of decompensated shock is crucial for nurses to provide timely and effective interventions. Option A, "All below," is the correct choice because decompensated shock is characterized by a progression of symptoms that indicate the body's inability to maintain adequate perfusion. These can include oliguria, confusion, and pale extremities. Oliguria is a sign of decreased renal perfusion, confusion may indicate cerebral hypoperfusion, and pale extremities reflect poor peripheral perfusion. Option B, "Oliguria," is a key manifestation of decompensated shock as decreased urine output is a late sign of renal compromise due to poor perfusion. Option C, "Confusion," is also indicative of decompensated shock as cerebral hypoperfusion affects neurological function, leading to altered mental status. Option D, "Pale extremities," is a hallmark sign of poor peripheral perfusion seen in decompensated shock, as the body shunts blood to vital organs, resulting in pallor in the extremities. Educationally, understanding these manifestations helps nurses recognize the progression of shock in children and intervene promptly to prevent further deterioration. Recognizing decompensated shock is vital in providing timely treatment to stabilize the child's condition and prevent irreversible harm.
Question 5 of 5
In what condition should the nurse be alert for altered fluid requirements in children? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding fluid requirements is crucial as children's bodies have unique needs. The correct answer, option D, "All above," is the most comprehensive choice because all the conditions listed (oliguric renal failure, increased intracranial pressure, mechanical ventilation) can lead to altered fluid requirements in children. Oliguric renal failure can result in decreased urine output, requiring close monitoring of fluid intake and output to prevent fluid overload or dehydration. Increased intracranial pressure can lead to cerebral edema, necessitating careful management of fluid balance to prevent further brain swelling. Children on mechanical ventilation may have increased insensible water loss, requiring adjustments in their fluid intake to maintain hydration. Option A, oliguric renal failure, is correct because it directly affects the kidneys' ability to regulate fluid balance. Option B, increased intracranial pressure, is correct as changes in fluid levels can impact intracranial dynamics. Option C, mechanical ventilation, is correct as it can affect respiratory function and fluid balance. Understanding these relationships is essential for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care to children with complex health needs. By recognizing these conditions and their implications for fluid balance, nurses can intervene promptly to prevent complications related to fluid imbalances.