Which of the following statements regarding injury to the central nervous system in children is TRUE?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): 1. Children's spinal cords are more flexible than adults', increasing risk of injury without x-ray abnormalities. 2. Pediatric spinal injuries may not show on x-ray initially, requiring further imaging. 3. This phenomenon is known as SCIWORA (spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality). 4. In contrast, adults' spinal cords are less flexible, often leading to visible abnormalities on x-ray. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Hypotension in infants with TBI is usually due to other factors like hemorrhage, not cerebral edema. C: Methylprednisolone is not recommended for initial therapy in pediatric TBI due to lack of proven benefit. D: Children more commonly have diffuse axonal injury rather than focal mass lesions in TBI compared to adults.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: Choice C is incorrect because pulse oximetry provides a spot-check measurement of oxygen saturation, not continuous monitoring. A: Surrounding light can interfere with accuracy due to the device's sensitivity. B: Dysfunctional hemoglobin can affect readings. D: The technology relies on light absorption differences to measure oxygen levels accurately.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac compresses the heart. Surgical intervention, such as pericardial drainage or pericardiotomy, is often required to relieve the pressure on the heart. Choice B, needle pericardiocentesis, is a temporary measure and may not definitively manage the condition. Choice C, Beck's triad (hypotension, elevated jugular venous pressure, muffled heart sounds), may be present but is not always diagnostic. Choice D, Kussmaul breathing (deep, labored breathing), is indicative of other conditions like metabolic acidosis rather than cardiac tamponade.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Decreased pulse pressure." Airway compromise typically leads to increased pulse pressure due to increased sympathetic activity. A: "Change in voice" can indicate vocal cord dysfunction. B: "Stridor" is a high-pitched sound during inspiration, indicating upper airway obstruction. C: "Tachypnea" is rapid breathing, a compensatory mechanism in response to airway compromise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because holding oneself accountable involves taking responsibility for one's actions, including admitting mistakes and apologizing for them. This demonstrates honesty, integrity, and a willingness to learn and improve. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly address the concept of accountability. Speaking positively, working with diverse backgrounds, and caring about others are important qualities, but they do not specifically relate to the act of holding oneself accountable.