Peds Emergency

Chelation therapy for lead poisoning is initiated when a child's blood level is _____ g/dl. a. 10 to 14 b. 15 to 19 c. 20 to 44 d. >45

ANS: D Chelation therapy is initiated if the child's blood level is greater than 45 g/dl. At 10 to 14 g/dl, the family should have lead-poisoning education and follow-up level. At 15 to 19 g/dl, the family should have lead-poisoning education and follow-up level but if it persists, initiate environmental investigation. At 20 to 44 g/dl environmental investigation and lead hazard control are necessary.

The nurse suspects that a child has ingested some type of poison. Which clinical manifestation would be most suggestive that the poison was a corrosive product? a. Tinnitus b. Disorientation c. Stupor, lethargy, coma d. Edema of lips, tongue, pharynx

ANS: D Edema of lips, tongue, and pharynx indicates a corrosive ingestion. Tinnitus is indicative of aspirin ingestion. Corrosives do not act on the central nervous system (CNS).

Matthew, age 18 months, has just been admitted with croup. His parent is tearful and tells the nurse, "This is all my fault. I should have taken him to the doctor sooner so he wouldn't have to be here." Which is appropriate in the care plan for this parent who is experiencing guilt? a. Clarify misconception about the illness. b. Explain to parent that the illness is not serious. c. Encourage parent to maintain a sense of control. d. Assess further why parent has excessive guilt feelings.

ANS: A Guilt is a common response of parents when a child is hospitalized. They may blame themselves for the child's illness or for not recognizing it soon enough. The nurse should clarify the nature of the problem and reassure parents that the child is being cared for. Croup is a potentially serious illness. The nurse should not minimize the parent's feelings. It would be difficult for the parent to maintain a sense of control while the child is seriously ill. No further assessment is indicated at this time; guilt is a common response for parents.

A child has been admitted to the emergency department with an acetaminophen (Tylenol) poisoning. An antidote is being prescribed by the health care provider. Which antidote should the nurse prepare to administer? a. Naloxone (Narcan) b. N-acetylcysteine (Mucomyst) c. Flumazenil (Romazicon) d. Digoxin immune Fab (Digibind)

ANS: B Antidotes available to treat toxin ingestion include N-acetylcysteine for acetaminophen poisoning, naloxone for opioid overdose, flumazenil (Romazicon) for benzodiazepines (diazepam [Valium], midazolam [Versed]) overdose, and digoxin immune Fab (Digibind) for digoxin toxicity.

A nurse is beginning chelation therapy on a child for lead poisoning. Which intervention should the nurse implement during the time the child is receiving chelation therapy? a. Calorie counts b. Strict intake and output c. Telemetry monitoring d. Contact isolation

ANS: B Because calcium disodium edetate (EDTA) and lead are toxic to the kidneys, a nurse should keep strict records of intake and output to monitor renal functioning. Adequate hydration is essential during therapy because the chelates are excreted via the kidneys. Calorie counts, telemetry, or contact isolation would not be nursing interventions appropriate for a child undergoing chelation therapy.

Which is a clinical manifestation of acetaminophen poisoning? a. Hyperpyrexia b. Hepatic involvement c. Severe burning pain in stomach d. Drooling and inability to clear secretions

ANS: B Hepatic involvement is the third stage of acetaminophen poisoning. Hyperpyrexia is a severe elevation in body temperature and is not related to acetaminophen poisoning. Acetaminophen does not cause burning pain in stomach or pose an airway threat.

Which is the most frequent source of acute childhood lead poisoning? a. Folk remedies b. Unglazed pottery c. Lead-based paint d. Cigarette butts and ashes

ANS: C Lead-based paint in houses built before 1978 is the most frequent source of lead poisoning. Some folk remedies and unglazed pottery may contain lead, but they are not the most frequent source. Cigarette butts and ashes do not contain lead.

Acute salicylate (ASA, aspirin) poisoning results in: a. chemical pneumonitis. b. hepatic damage. c. retractions and grunting. d. disorientation and loss of consciousness.

ANS: D ASA poisoning causes disorientation and loss of consciousness. Chemical pneumonitis is caused by hydrocarbon ingestion. Hepatic damage is caused by acetaminophen overdose. ASA does not cause airway obstruction.

A young child has just arrived at the emergency department after ingestion of aspirin at home. The practitioner has ordered activated charcoal. The nurse administers charcoal in which way? a. Administer through a nasogastric tube because the child will not drink it because of the taste. b. Serve in a clear plastic cup so the child can see how much has been drunk. c. Give half of the solution, and then give the other half in 1 hour. d. Serve in an opaque container with a straw.

ANS: D Although the activated charcoal can be mixed with a flavorful beverage, it will be black and resemble mud. When it is served in an opaque container, the child does not have any preconceived ideas about its being distasteful. The nasogastric tube should be used only in children without a gag reflex. The ability to see the charcoal solution may affect the child's desire to drink it. The child should be encouraged to drink the solution all at once.