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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The Look-Listen-Feel procedure is used to assess for breathing in pediatric patients during a primary assessment. This technique involves looking for chest rise and fall, listening for breath sounds, and feeling for airflow. Option A, assessing for responsiveness, is not correct in this context as the Look-Listen-Feel procedure specifically focuses on assessing breathing, not responsiveness. Option B, assessing for airway patency, is important in pediatric assessments, but it is not the primary focus of the Look-Listen-Feel technique. Airway patency is typically assessed before or after using the Look-Listen-Feel method. Option D, assessing for circulation, is also crucial in pediatric assessments, but it is not the purpose of the Look-Listen-Feel procedure. Circulation is assessed through checking for a pulse and signs of perfusion. Educationally, understanding the correct use of the Look-Listen-Feel technique is essential for pediatric nurses as it helps them quickly and effectively assess a child's breathing status in emergency situations. Mastery of this skill can make a significant difference in providing timely and appropriate interventions for pediatric patients in respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the use of inotropic drugs in acute shock is crucial for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients. In the given question, the correct answer is D) Milrinone. Milrinone is a phosphodiesterase inhibitor that enhances cardiac contractility and is commonly used in the management of acute heart failure, not typically in acute shock situations. A) Digitalis is a cardiac glycoside that increases myocardial contractility but is not typically used in acute shock due to its slower onset of action and potential for toxicity in critically ill patients. B) Dopamine is a catecholamine that acts on adrenergic receptors to increase cardiac output and blood pressure, making it a common choice in treating acute shock. C) Dobutamine is a beta-1 adrenergic agonist that also increases cardiac contractility and is often used in acute shock to improve cardiac output. Educationally, understanding the differences between these inotropic drugs is essential for pediatric nurses to make informed decisions in managing pediatric patients in critical condition. By grasping the pharmacological properties and appropriate clinical indications of these medications, nurses can optimize patient outcomes and provide quality care in acute care settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) 12 mmol/L. In the treatment of hypernatremia, it is crucial to correct the serum sodium levels gradually to prevent the risk of cerebral edema and other serious complications. Rapid correction can lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome, a severe and potentially fatal condition. Option A) 8 mmol/L is too conservative and might not effectively correct hypernatremia within a reasonable timeframe, especially in cases of severe hypernatremia where a more rapid correction is required to prevent brain injury. Option C) 16 mmol/L and Option D) 20 mmol/L are too aggressive and pose a significant risk of causing rapid changes in serum sodium levels, leading to adverse neurological effects. In a clinical setting, nurses caring for pediatric patients with hypernatremia must closely monitor and adjust the rate of correction as per guidelines to ensure patient safety. Understanding the appropriate rate of correction is essential for pediatric nurses to provide safe and effective care to children with electrolyte imbalances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Physiological responses to serious illness often involve the body's attempt to maintain homeostasis and cope with the stress imposed by the illness. In this case, the correct answer is A) Blood pressure, which would typically increase in response to serious illness due to various factors such as increased sympathetic nervous system activity and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline. Heart rate (option B) would also typically increase in response to serious illness as the body tries to pump more blood to meet the increased metabolic demands. Respiratory rate (option C) may increase as well to improve oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. The action of accessory respiratory muscles (option D) may also increase in response to serious illness to aid in breathing. Understanding these physiological responses is crucial for pediatric nurses as it helps them assess and monitor the condition of their young patients. By recognizing these signs, nurses can intervene promptly and provide appropriate care to stabilize the child's condition. This knowledge also enables nurses to anticipate potential complications and make informed decisions regarding treatment strategies.