Chapter 20: Pediatric Variations of Nursing Interventions

A child with congestive heart failure is placed on a maintenance dosage of digoxin (Lanoxin). The dosage is 0.07 mg/kg/day, and the child's weight is 7.2 kg. The physician prescribes the digoxin to be given once a day by mouth. Each dose will be _____ milligrams. (Record your answer below using one decimal place.)

ANS: 0.5 Calculate the dosage by weight: 0.07 mg/day × 7.2 kg = 0.5 mg/day.

A physician's prescription reads, "ampicillin sodium 125 mg IV every 6 hours." The medication label reads, "1 g = 7.4 ml." A nurse prepares to draw up _____ milliliters to administer one dose. (Round your answer to two decimal places.)

ANS: 0.93 Convert 1 g to milligrams. In the metric system, to convert larger to smaller, multiply by 1000 or move the decimal point three places to the right. 1 g = 1000 mg Formula: Desired × Volume = 125 mg/1000 mg × 7.4 ml = 0.925 round to 0.93 ml. Available

A 6-month-old infant is admitted to the pediatric unit with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The nurse places the infant on strict intake and output. The infant is in a size #2 diaper and the dry weight is 24 g. At the end of the shift, the infant has had two diapers with urine. One diaper weighed 56 g and one weighed 65 g. What is the total milliliter output for the shift? (Record your answer as a whole number below.)

ANS: 73 1 g of wet diaper weight = 1 ml of urine. The dry weight of the diaper is 24 g. 56 g - 24 g = 32 ml. 65 g - 24 g = 41 ml. 32 ml + 24 ml = 73 ml total output for the shift.

The nurse is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube into a 4-year-old child for intermittent suctioning after abdominal surgery. Place in correct sequence the steps for inserting a nasogastric tube. Provide the answer using lowercase letters separated by commas (e.g., a, b, c, d, e, f). a. Lubricate the nasogastric tube with water-soluble lubricant. b. Tape the nasogastric tube securely to the child's face. c. Check the placement of the tube by aspirating stomach contents. d. Place the child in the supine position with head slightly hyperflexed. e. Insert the nasogastric tube through the nares. f. Measure the tube from the tip of the nose to the ear lobe to midpoint between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus.

ANS: d, f, a, e, c, b

A child is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN; hyperalimentation). At the end of 8 hours, the nurse observes the solution and notes that 200 ml/8 hr is being infused rather than the ordered amount of 300 ml/8 hr. The nurse should adjust the rate so that how much will infuse during the next 8 hours? a.200 ml b.300 ml c.350 ml d.400 ml

ANS: B The TPN infusion rate should not be increased or decreased without the practitioner being informed because alterations in rate can cause hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia. Any changes from the prescribed flow rate may lead to hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.

When liquid medication is given to a crying 10-month-old infant, which approach minimizes the possibility of aspiration? a.Administer the medication with a syringe (without needle) placed along the side of the infant's tongue. b.Administer the medication as rapidly as possible with the infant securely restrained. c.Mix the medication with the infant's regular formula or juice and administer by bottle. d.Keep the child upright with the nasal passages blocked for a minute after administration.

ANS: A Administer the medication with a syringe without needle placed along the side of the infant's tongue. The contents are administered slowly in small amounts, allowing the child to swallow between deposits. Medications should be given slowly to avoid aspiration. The medication should be mixed with only a small amount of food or liquid. If the child does not finish drinking or eating, it is difficult to determine how much medication was consumed. Essential foods also should not be used. Holding the child's nasal passages will increase the risk of aspiration.

The nurse gives an injection in a patient's room. The nurse should perform which intervention with the needle for disposal? a.Dispose of syringe and needle in a rigid, puncture-resistant container in the patient's room. b.Dispose of syringe and needle in a rigid, puncture-resistant container in an area outside of the patient's room. c.Cap needle immediately after giving injection and dispose of in a proper container. d.Cap needle, break from syringe, and dispose of in a proper container.

ANS: A All needles (uncapped and unbroken) are disposed of in a rigid, puncture-resistant container located near the site of use. Consequently, these containers should be installed in the patient's room. The uncapped needle should not be transported to an area distant from use. Needles are disposed of uncapped and unbroken.

A 2-year-old child is being admitted to the hospital for possible bacterial meningitis. When preparing for a lumbar puncture, what is the nurse's best action? a.Prepare child for conscious sedation during the test. b.Set up a tray with equipment the same size as for adults. c.Reassure the parents that the test is simple, painless, and risk free. d.Apply EMLA to the puncture site 15 minutes before the procedure.

ANS: A Because of the urgency of the child's condition, conscious sedation should be used for the procedure. Pediatric spinal trays have smaller needles than do adult trays. Reassuring the parents that the test is simple, painless, and risk free is incorrect information. A spinal tap does have associated risks, and analgesia will be given for the pain. EMLA (a eutectic mixture of anesthetics) should be applied approximately 60 minutes before the procedure. The emergency nature of the spinal tap precludes its use.

The nurse is teaching a mother how to perform chest physical therapy and postural drainage on her 3-year-old child, who has cystic fibrosis. How should the nurse instruct the mother? a.Cover the skin with a shirt or gown before percussing. b.Strike the chest wall with a flat-hand position. c.Percuss over the entire trunk anteriorly and posteriorly. d.Percuss before positioning for postural drainage.

ANS: A For postural drainage and percussion, the child should be dressed in a light shirt to protect the skin and placed in the appropriate postural drainage positions. The chest wall is struck with a cupped-hand, not a flat-hand position. The procedure should be done over the rib cage only. Positioning precedes the percussion.

Katie, 4 years old, is admitted to outpatient surgery for removal of a cyst on her foot. Her mother puts the hospital gown on her, but Katie is crying because she wants to leave on her underpants. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a.Allow her to wear her underpants b.Discuss with her mother why this is important to Katie c.Ask her mother to explain to her why she cannot wear them d.Explain in a kind, matter-of-fact manner that this is hospital policy

ANS: A It is appropriate for the child to leave her underpants on. This allows her some measure of control in this procedure, foot surgery. Further discussions may make the child more upset. Katie is too young to understand what hospital policy means.

A 6-year-old child is hospitalized for intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy. He eats little on his "regular diet" trays. He tells the nurse that all he wants to eat is pizza, tacos, and ice cream. Which is the best nursing action? a.Request these favorite foods for him. b.Identify healthier food choices that he likes. c.Explain that he needs fruits and vegetables. d.Reward him with ice cream at the end of every meal that he eats.

ANS: A Loss of appetite is a symptom common to most childhood illnesses. To encourage adequate nutrition, favorite foods should be requested for the child. These foods provide nutrition and can be supplemented with additional fruits and vegetables. Ice cream and other desserts should not be used as rewards or punishment.

A 3-year-old child has a fever associated with a viral illness. Her mother calls the nurse, reporting a fever of 102° F even though she had acetaminophen 2 hours ago. The nurse's action should be based on which statement? a.Fevers such as this are common with viral illnesses. b.Seizures are common in children when antipyretics are ineffective. c.Fever over 102° F indicates greater severity of illness. d.Fever over 102° F indicates a probable bacterial infection.

ANS: A Most fevers are of brief duration, with limited consequences, and are viral. Little evidence supports the use of antipyretic drugs to prevent febrile seizures. Neither the increase in temperature nor its response to antipyretics indicates the severity or etiology of infection.

When teaching a mother how to administer eye drops, where should the nurse tell her to place them? a.In the conjunctival sac that is formed when the lower lid is pulled down b.Carefully under the eye lid while it is gently pulled upward c.On the sclera while the child looks to the side d.Anywhere as long as drops contact the eye's surface

ANS: A The lower lid is pulled down, forming a small conjunctival sac. The solution or ointment is applied to this area. The medication should not be administered directly on the eyeball.

The nurse is preparing a 12-year-old girl for a bone marrow aspiration. The girl tells the nurse she wants her mother with her "like before." What is the most appropriate nursing action? a.Grant her request b.Explain why this is not possible c.Identify an appropriate substitute for her mother d.Offer to provide support to her during the procedure

ANS: A The parent's preferences for assisting, observing, or waiting outside the room should be assessed, along with the child's preference for parental presence. The child's choice should be respected. If the mother and child are agreeable, then the mother is welcome to stay. An appropriate substitute for the mother is necessary only if the mother does not wish to stay. Support is offered to the child regardless of parental presence.

The nurse wore gloves during a dressing change. What should the nurse do after the gloves are removed? a.Wash hands thoroughly b.Check the gloves for leaks c.Rinse gloves in disinfectant solution d.Apply new gloves before touching the next patient

ANS: A When gloves are worn, the hands are washed thoroughly after removing the gloves because both latex and vinyl gloves fail to provide complete protection. Gloves should be disposed of after use. Hands should be thoroughly washed before new gloves are applied.

A nurse is caring for a child in droplet precautions. Which instructions should the nurse give to the unlicensed assistive personnel caring for this child? (Select all that apply.) a.Wear gloves when entering the room. b.Wear an isolation gown when entering the room. c.Place the child in a special air handling and ventilation room. d.A mask should be worn only when holding the child. e.Wash your hands upon exiting the room.

ANS: A, B, E Droplet transmission involves contact of the conjunctivae or the mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of a susceptible person with large-particle droplets (>5 mm) containing microorganisms generated from a person who has a clinical disease or who is a carrier of the microorganism. Droplets are generated from the source person primarily during coughing, sneezing, or talking and during procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Gloves, gowns, and a mask should be worn when entering the room. Hand washing when exiting the room should be done with any patient. Because droplets do not remain suspended in the air, special air handling and ventilation are not required to prevent droplet transmission.

The advantages of the ventrogluteal muscle as an injection site in young children include which considerations? (Select all that apply.) a.Less painful than vastus lateralis b.Free of important nerves and vascular structures c.Cannot be used when child reaches a weight of 20 pounds d.Increased subcutaneous fat, which increases drug absorption e.Easily identified by major landmarks

ANS: A, B, E The advantages of the ventrogluteal are being less painful, free of important nerves and vascular lateralis, and easily identified by major landmarks. The major disadvantage is lack of familiarity by health professionals and controversy over whether the site can be used before weight bearing. The use of the ventrogluteal has not been clarified. It has been used in infants, but clinical guidelines address the need for the child to be walking, thus generally being over 20 pounds. The site has less subcutaneous tissue, which facilitates intramuscular (rather than subcutaneous) deposition of the drug.

The Allen test is performed as a precautionary measure before which procedure? a.Heel stick b.Venipuncture c.Arterial puncture d.Lumbar puncture

ANS: C The Allen test assesses the circulation of the radial, ulnar, or brachial arteries before arterial puncture. The Allen test is used before arterial punctures, not heel sticks, venipunctures, or lumbar punctures.

The nurse has just collected blood by venipuncture in the antecubital fossa. Which should the nurse do next? a.Keep the arm extended while applying a bandage to the site. b.Keep the arm extended, and apply pressure to the site for a few minutes. c.Apply a bandage to the site, and keep the arm flexed for 10 minutes. d.Apply a gauze pad or cotton ball to the site, and keep the arm flexed for several minutes.

ANS: B Applying pressure to the site of venipuncture stops the bleeding and aids in coagulation. Pressure should be applied before bandage is applied.

The nurse is planning to prepare a 4-year-old child for some diagnostic procedures. Guidelines for preparing this preschooler should include which action? a.Plan for a short teaching session of about 30 minutes. b.Tell the child that procedures are never a form of punishment. c.Keep equipment out of the child's view. d.Use correct scientific and medical terminology in explanations.

ANS: B Illness and hospitalization may be viewed as punishment in preschoolers. Always state directly that procedures are never a form of punishment. Teaching sessions for this age group should be 10 to 15 minutes in length. Demonstrate the use of equipment, and allow the child to play with miniature or actual equipment. Explain procedure in simple terms and how it affects the child.

A 2-year-old child comes to the emergency department with dehydration and hypovolemic shock. Which best explains why an intraosseous infusion is started? a.It is less painful for small children. b.Rapid venous access is not possible. c.Antibiotics must be started immediately. d.Long-term central venous access is not possible.

ANS: B In situations in which rapid establishment of systemic access is vital and venous access is hampered, such as peripheral circulatory collapse and hypovolemic shock, intraosseous infusion provides a rapid, safe, lifesaving alternative. The procedure is painful, and local anesthetics and systemic analgesics are given. Antibiotics could be given when vascular access is obtained. Long-term central venous access is time-consuming, and intraosseous infusion is used in an emergency situation.

In preparing to give "enemas until clear" to a young child, the nurse should select which solution? a.Tap water b.Normal saline c.Oil retention d.Fleet solution

ANS: B Isotonic solutions should be used in children. Saline is the solution of choice. Plain water is not used. This is a hypotonic solution and can cause rapid fluid shift, resulting in fluid overload. Oil-retention enemas will not achieve the "until clear" result. Fleet enemas are not advised for children because of the harsh action of the ingredients. The osmotic effects of the Fleet enema can result in diarrhea, which can lead to metabolic acidosis.

Using knowledge of child development, which is the best approach when preparing a toddler for a procedure? a.Avoid asking the child to make choices. b.Demonstrate the procedure on a doll. c.Plan for the teaching session to last about 20 minutes. d.Show necessary equipment without allowing the child to handle it.

ANS: B Prepare toddlers for procedures by using play. Demonstrate on a doll, but avoid the child's favorite doll because the toddler may think the doll is really "feeling" the procedure. In preparing a toddler for a procedure, allow the child to participate in care and help whenever possible. Teaching sessions for toddlers should be about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a small replica of the equipment, and allow the child to handle it.

Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. Which is considered an advantage of a Hickman-Broviac catheter? a.No need to keep exit site dry b.Easy to use for self-administered infusions c.Heparinized only monthly and after each infusion d.No limitations on regular physical activity, including swimming

ANS: B The Hickman-Broviac catheter has several benefits, including that it is easy to use for self-administered infusions. The exit site must be kept dry to decrease risk of infection. The Hickman-Broviac catheter requires daily heparin flushes. Water sports may be restricted because of risk of infection.

Which is an important nursing consideration when performing a bladder catheterization on a young boy? a.Clean technique, not standard precautions, is needed. b.Insert 2% lidocaine lubricant into the urethra. c.Lubricate catheter with water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly. d.Delay catheterization for 20 minutes while anesthetic lubricant is absorbed.

ANS: B The anxiety, fear, and discomfort experienced during catheterization can be significantly decreased by preparation of the child and parents, by selection of the correct catheter, and by appropriate technique of insertion. Generous lubrication of the urethra before catheterization and use of lubricant containing 2% lidocaine may reduce or eliminate the burning and discomfort associated with this procedure. Catheterization is a sterile procedure, and standard precautions for body-substance protection should be followed. Water-soluble lubricants do not provide appropriate local anesthesia. Catheterization should be delayed 2 to 3 minutes only. This provides sufficient local anesthesia for the procedure.

A venipuncture will be performed on a 7-year-old girl. She wants her mother to hold her during the procedure. What information should the nurse include in her response to the child? a.It is unsafe. b.It is helpful to relax the child. c.It is against hospital policy. d.It is unnecessary because of child's age.

ANS: B The mother's preference for assisting, observing, or waiting outside the room should be assessed along with the child's preference for parental presence. The child's choice should be respected. This will most likely help the child through the procedure. If the mother and child agree, then the mother is welcome to stay. Her familiarity with the procedure should be assessed and potential safety risks identified (mother may sit in chair). Hospital policies should be reviewed to ensure that they incorporate family-centered care. The child should determine whether parental support is necessary.

Guidelines for intramuscular administration of medication in school-age children include which action? a.Inject medication as rapidly as possible. b.Insert needle quickly, using a dart like motion. c.Penetrate skin immediately after cleansing site, before skin has dried. d.Have child stand, if possible, and if child is cooperative.

ANS: B The needle should be inserted quickly in a dart like motion at a 90-degree angle unless contraindicated. Inject medications slowly. Allow skin preparation to dry completely before skin is penetrated. Place child in lying or sitting position.

The emergency department nurse is cleaning multiple facial abrasions on a 9-year-old child whose mother is present. The child is crying and screaming loudly. What is the best nursing action? a.Ask the child to be quieter b.Have the child's mother give instructions about relaxation c.Tell the child it is okay to cry and scream d.Remove the mother from the room

ANS: C The child should be allowed to express feelings of anger, anxiety, fear, frustration, or any other emotion. The child needs to know it is all right to cry. There is no reason for the child to be quieter and feelings need to be able to be expressed. The mother should stay in the room to provide comfort to the child.

The nurse is caring for an unconscious child. Skin care should include which action? a.Avoid use of pressure reduction on bed. b.Massage reddened bony prominences to prevent deep tissue damage. c.Use draw sheet to move child in bed to reduce friction and shearing injuries. d.Avoid rinsing skin after cleansing with mild antibacterial soap to provide a protective barrier.

ANS: C A draw sheet should be used to move the child in the bed or onto a gurney to reduce friction and shearing injuries. Do not drag the child from under the arms. Pressure-reduction devices should be used to redistribute weight. Bony prominences should not be massaged if reddened. Deep tissue damage can occur. Pressure-reduction devices should be used instead. The skin should be cleansed with mild non-alkaline soap or soap-free cleaning agents for routine bathing.

In some genetically susceptible children, anesthetic agents can trigger malignant hyperthermia. The nurse should be alert in observing that, in addition to an increased temperature, what is an early sign of this disorder? a.Apnea b.Bradycardia c.Muscle rigidity d.Decreased blood pressure

ANS: C Early signs of malignant hyperthermia include tachycardia, increasing blood pressure, tachypnea, mottled skin, and muscle rigidity. Apnea is not a sign of malignant hyperthermia. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, is an early sign of malignant hyperthermia. Increased blood pressure, not decreased blood pressure, is characteristic of malignant hyperthermia.

Tepid water or sponge baths are indicated for hyperthermia in children. What is the priority nursing action? a.Add isopropyl alcohol to the water. b.Direct a fan on the child in the bath. c.Stop the bath if the child begins to chill. d.Continue the bath for 5 minutes.

ANS: C Environmental measures such as sponge baths can be used to reduce temperature if tolerated by the child and if they do not induce shivering. Shivering is the body's way of maintaining the elevated set point. Compensatory shivering increases metabolic requirements above those already caused by the fever. Ice water and isopropyl alcohol are potentially dangerous solutions. Fans should not be used because of the risk of the child developing vasoconstriction, which defeats the purpose of the cooling measures. Little blood is carried to the skin surface, and the blood remains primarily in the viscera to become heated. The child is placed in a tub of tepid water for 20 to 30 minutes.

What is an appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child? a.Mix in a bottle of formula or milk. b.Mix with any food the child is going to eat. c.Mix with a small amount (1 teaspoon) of a sweet-tasting substance such as jam or ice cream. d.Mix with large amounts of water to dilute medication sufficiently.

ANS: C Mix the drug with a small amount (about 1 teaspoon) of sweet-tasting substance. This will make the medication more palatable to the child. The medication should be mixed with only a small amount of food or liquid. If the child does not finish drinking or eating, it is difficult to determine how much medication was consumed. Medication should not be mixed with essential foods and milk. The child may associate the altered taste with the food and refuse to eat in the future.

What is a nursing consideration related to the administration of oxygen in an infant? a.Humidify oxygen if the infant can tolerate it. b.Assess the infant to determine how much oxygen should be given. c.Ensure uninterrupted delivery of the appropriate oxygen concentration. d.Direct oxygen flow so that it blows directly into the infant's face in a hood.

ANS: C Oxygen is a prescribed medication. It is the nurse's responsibility to ensure that the ordered concentration is delivered and the effects of therapy are monitored. Oxygen is drying to the tissues. Oxygen should always be humidified when delivered to a patient. A child receiving oxygen therapy should have the oxygen saturation monitored at least as frequently as vital signs. Oxygen is a medication, and it is the responsibility of the practitioner to modify dosage as indicated. Humidified oxygen should not be blown directly into an infant's face.

A nurse must do a venipuncture on a 6-year-old child. What is an important consideration in providing atraumatic care? a.Use an 18-gauge needle if possible. b.If not successful after four attempts, have another nurse try. c.Restrain the child only as needed to perform venipuncture safely. d.Show the child equipment to be used before the procedure.

ANS: C Restrain the child only as needed to perform the procedure safely; use therapeutic hugging. Use the smallest-gauge needle that permits free flow of blood. A two-try-only policy is desirable, in which two operators each have only two attempts. If insertion is not successful after four punctures, alternative venous access should be considered. Keep all equipment out of sight until used.

The nurse must suction a child with a tracheostomy. What is the appropriate technique? a.Encourage the child to cough to raise the secretions before suctioning. b.Select a catheter with diameter three-fourths as large as the diameter of the tracheostomy tube. c.Ensure each pass of the suction catheter should take no longer than 5 seconds. d.Allow the child to rest after every five times the suction catheter is passed.

ANS: C Suctioning should require no longer than 5 seconds per pass. Otherwise, the airway may be occluded for too long. If the child is able to cough up secretions, suctioning may not be indicated. The catheter should have a diameter one-half the size of the tracheostomy tube. If it is too large, it might block the child's airway. The child is allowed to rest for 30 to 60 seconds after each aspiration to allow oxygen tension to return to normal. Then the process is repeated until the trachea is clear.

Which should the nurse consider when having consent forms signed for surgery and procedures on children? a.Only a parent or legal guardian can give consent. b.The person giving consent must be at least 18 years old. c.The risks and benefits of a procedure are part of the consent process. d.A mental age of 7 years or older is required for a consent to be considered "informed."

ANS: C The informed consent must include the nature of the procedure, benefits and risks, and alternatives to the procedure. In special circumstances, such as emancipated minors, the consent can be given by someone younger than 18 years without the parent or legal guardian. A mental age of 7 years is too young for consent to be informed.

Frequent urine testing for specific gravity and glucose are required on a 6-month-old infant. Which is the most appropriate way to collect small amounts of urine for these tests? a.Apply a urine-collection bag to the perineal area. b.Tape a small medicine cup to the inside of the diaper. c.Aspirate urine from cotton balls inside the diaper with a syringe. d.Aspirate urine from a superabsorbent disposable diaper with a syringe.

ANS: C To obtain small amounts of urine, use a syringe without a needle to aspirate urine directly from the diaper. If diapers with absorbent material are used, place a small gauze dressing or cotton balls inside the diaper to collect the urine, and aspirate the urine with a syringe. For frequent urine sampling, the collection bag would be too irritating to the child's skin. It is not feasible to tape a small medicine cup to the inside of the diaper; the urine will spill from the cup. Diapers with superabsorbent gels absorb the urine, so there is nothing to aspirate.

A critically ill child has hyperthermia. The parents ask the nurse to give an antipyretic such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). What should the nurse explain about antipyretics? a.They may cause malignant hyperthermia b.They may cause febrile seizures c.They are of no value in treating hyperthermia d.They are of limited value in treating hyperthermia

ANS: C Unlike with fever, antipyretics are of no value in hyperthermia because the set point is already normal. Cooling measures are used instead. Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic myopathy that is triggered by anesthetic agents. Antipyretic agents do not have this effect. Antipyretics do not cause seizures and are of no value in hyperthermia.

The nurse must do a heel stick on an ill neonate to obtain a blood sample. What action is recommended to facilitate blood flow? a.Apply cool, moist compresses. b.Apply a tourniquet to the ankle. c.Elevate the foot for 5 minutes. d.Wrap the foot in a warm washcloth.

ANS: D Before the blood sample is taken, the heel is heated with warm moist compresses for 5 to 10 minutes to dilate the blood vessels in the area. Cooling causes vasoconstriction, making blood collection more difficult. A tourniquet is used to constrict superficial veins. It will have an insignificant effect on capillaries. Elevating the foot will decrease the blood in the foot available for collection.

The nurse is doing a pre-hospitalization orientation for a 7-year-old child who is scheduled for cardiac surgery. As part of the preparation, the nurse explains that she will not be able to talk because of an endotracheal tube but that she will be able to talk when it is removed. This explanation is: a.unnecessary. b.the surgeon's responsibility. c.too stressful for a young child. d.an appropriate part of the child's preparation.

ANS: D Explanation is a necessary part of preoperative preparation. If the child wakes and is not prepared for the inability to speak, she will be even more anxious. This is a necessary component for preparation for surgery that will help reduce the anxiety associated with surgery. It is a joint responsibility of nursing, medical staff, and child life personnel.

It is important to make certain that sensory connectors and oximeters are compatible. What can incompatible wiring cause? a.Hyperthermia b.Electrocution c.Pressure necrosis d.Burns under sensors

ANS: D It is important to make certain that sensor connectors and oximeters are compatible. Wiring that is incompatible can generate considerable heat at the tip of the sensor, causing second- and third-degree burns under the sensor. Incompatibility would cause a local irritation or burn. A low voltage is used, which should not present risk of electrocution. Pressure necrosis can occur from the sensor being attached too tightly, but this is not a problem of incompatibility.

How should the nurse administer a gavage feeding to a school-age child? a.Lubricate the tip of the feeding tube with Vaseline to facilitate passage. b.Check the placement of the tube by inserting 20 ml of sterile water. c.Administer feedings over 5 to 10 minutes. d.Position the patient on the right side after administering feeding.

ANS: D Position the child with the head elevated about 30 degrees and on the right side or abdomen for at least 1 hour. This is in the same manner as after any infant feeding to minimize the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration. Insert a tube that has been lubricated with sterile water or water-soluble lubricant. With a syringe, inject a small amount of air into the tube, while simultaneously listening with a stethoscope over the stomach area. Feedings should be administered via gravity flow and take from 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

What is an appropriate intervention to encourage food and fluid intake in a hospitalized child? a.Force the child to eat and drink to combat caloric losses. b.Discourage participation in non-eating activities until caloric intake is sufficient. c.Administer large quantities of flavored fluids at frequent intervals and during meals. d.Give high-quality foods and snacks whenever the child expresses hunger.

ANS: D Small, frequent meals and nutritious snacks should be provided for the child. Favorite foods such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit yogurt, cheese, pizza, and macaroni and cheese should be available. Forcing a child to eat only meets with rebellion and reinforces the behavior as a control mechanism. Large quantities of fluid may decrease the child's hunger and further inhibit food intake.

The nurse approaches a group of school-age patients to administer medication to Sam Hart. What should the nurse do to identify the correct child? a.Ask the group, "Who is Sam Hart?" b.Call out to the group, "Sam Hart?" c.Ask each child, "What's your name?" d.Check the patient's identification name band

ANS: D The child must be correctly identified before the administration of any medication. Children are not totally reliable in giving correct names on request; the identification bracelet should always be checked. Asking children or the group for names is not an acceptable way to identify a child. Older children may exchange places, give an erroneous name, or choose not to respond to their name as a joke.

A mother calls the outpatient clinic requesting information on appropriate dosing for over-the-counter medications for her 13-month-old who has symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and fever. The box of acetaminophen says to give 120 mg q4h when needed. At his 12-month visit, the nurse practitioner prescribed 150 mg. What is the nurse's best response? a."The doses are close enough; it doesn't really matter which one is given." b."It is not appropriate to use dosages based on age because children have a wide range of weights at different ages." c."From your description, medications are not necessary. They should be avoided in children at this age." d."The nurse practitioner ordered the drug based on weight, which is a more accurate way of determining a therapeutic dose."

ANS: D The method most often used to determine children's dosage is based on a specific dose per kilogram of body weight. The mother should be given correct information. For a therapeutic effect, the dosage should be based on weight, not age. Acetaminophen can be used to relieve discomfort in children at this age group.

An 8-month-old infant is restrained to prevent interference with the IV infusion. How should the nurse appropriately care for this child? a.Remove the restraints once a day to allow movement. b.Keep the restraints on constantly. c.Keep the restraints secure so the infant remains supine. d.Remove restraints whenever possible.

ANS: D The nurse should remove the restraints whenever possible. When parents or staff are present, the restraints can be removed and the IV site protected. Restraints must be checked and documented every 1 to 2 hours. They should be removed for range of motion on a periodic basis. The child should not be securely restrained in the supine position because of risks of aspiration.

What should the nurse do when caring for a child with an intravenous infusion? a.Use a macrodropper to facilitate reaching the prescribed flow rate. b.Avoid restraining the child to prevent undue emotional stress. c.Change the insertion site every 24 hours. d.Observe the insertion site frequently for signs of infiltration.

ANS: D The nursing responsibility for IV therapy is to calculate the amount to be infused in a given length of time; set the infusion rate; and monitor the apparatus frequently (at least every 1 to 2 hours) to make certain that the desired rate is maintained, the integrity of the system remains intact, the site remains intact (free of redness, edema, infiltration, or irritation), and the infusion does not stop. A minidropper (60 drops/ml) is the recommended IV tubing in pediatrics. The IV site should be protected. This may require soft restraints on the child. Insertion sites do not need to be changed every 24 hours unless a problem is found with the site. This exposes the child to significant trauma.

Which is the preferred site for intramuscular injections in infants? a.Deltoid b.Dorsogluteal c.Rectus femoris d.Vastus lateralis

ANS: D The preferred site for infants is the vastus lateralis. The deltoid and dorsogluteal sites are used for older children and adults. The rectus femoris is not a recommended site.