ped test bank
2. According to Piaget, magical thinking is the belief of which? a. Thoughts are all powerful. b. God is an imaginary friend. c. Events have cause and effect. d. If the skin is broken, the insides will come out.
ANS: A Because of their egocentrism and transductive reasoning, preschoolers believe that thoughts are all powerful. Believing God is an imaginary friend is an example of concrete thinking in a preschoolers spiritual development. Cause-and-effect implies logical thought, not magical thinking. Believing that if the skin is broken, the insides will come out is an example of concrete thinking in development of body image.
16. A young child with leukemia has anorexia and severe stomatitis. What approach should the nurse suggest that the parents try? a. Relax any eating pressures. b. Firmly insist that the child eat normally. c. Serve foods that are either hot or cold. d. Provide only liquids because chewing is painful.
ANS: A A multifaceted approach is necessary for children with severe stomatitis and anorexia. First, the parents should relax eating pressures. The nurse should suggest that the parents try soft, bland foods; normal saline or bicarbonate mouthwashes; and local anesthetics. Insisting that the child eat normally is not suggested. For some children, not eating may be a way to maintain some control. This can set the child and caregiver in opposition to each other. Hot and cold foods can be painful on ulcerated mucosal membranes. Substitution of high-calorie foods that the child likes and can eat should be used.
12. After chemotherapy is begun for a child with acute leukemia, prophylaxis to prevent acute tumor lysis syndrome includes which therapeutic intervention? a. Hydration b. Oxygenation c. Corticosteroids d. Pain management
ANS: A Acute tumor lysis syndrome results from the release of intracellular metabolites during the initial treatment of leukemia. Hyperuricemia, hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hyperkalemia can result. Hydration is used to reduce the metabolic consequences of the tumor lysis. Oxygenation is not helpful in preventing acute tumor lysis syndrome. Allopurinol, not corticosteroids, is indicated for pharmacologic management. Pain management may be indicated for supportive therapy of the child, but it does not prevent acute tumor lysis syndrome.
16. An infant has been diagnosed with staphylococcal pneumonia. Nursing care of the child with pneumonia includes which intervention? a. Administration of antibiotics b. Frequent complete assessment of the infant c. Round-the-clock administration of antitussive agents d. Strict monitoring of intake and output to avoid congestive heart failure
ANS: A Antibiotics are indicated for bacterial pneumonia. Often the child has decreased pulmonary reserve, and clustering of care is essential. The childs respiratory rate and status and general disposition are monitored closely, but frequent complete physical assessments are not indicated. Antitussive agents are used sparingly. It is desirable for the child to cough up some of the secretions. Fluids are essential to kept secretions as liquefied as possible.
8. An 18-month-old child is seen in the clinic with otitis media (OM). Oral amoxicillin is prescribed. What instructions should be given to the parent? a. Administer all of the prescribed medication. b. Continue medication until all symptoms subside. c. Immediately stop giving medication if hearing loss develops. d. Stop giving medication and come to the clinic if fever is still present in 24 hours.
ANS: A Antibiotics should be given for their full course to prevent recurrence of infection with resistant bacteria. Symptoms may subside before the full course is given. Hearing loss is a complication of OM; antibiotics should continue to be given. Medication may take 24 to 48 hours to make symptoms subside.
20. What cardiovascular defect results in obstruction to blood flow? a. Aortic stenosis b. Tricuspid atresia c. Atrial septal defect d. Transposition of the great arteries
ANS: A Aortic stenosis is a narrowing or stricture of the aortic valve, causing resistance to blood flow in the left ventricle, decreased cardiac output, left ventricular hypertrophy, and pulmonary vascular congestion. Tricuspid atresia results in decreased pulmonary blood flow. The atrial septal defect results in increased pulmonary blood flow. Transposition of the great arteries results in mixed blood flow
12. A 12-year-old child with Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) is admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit. She tells you that yesterday her legs were weak and that this morning she was unable to walk. After the nurse determines the current level of paralysis, which should the next priority assessment be? a. Swallowing ability b. Parental involvement c. Level of consciousness d. Antecedent viral infections
ANS: A Assessment of swallowing is essential. Both pharyngeal involvement and respiratory function are usually involved at the same time. The child may require ventilatory support. The inability to swallow also contributes to aspiration pneumonia. Parental involvement is important after the physiologic assessment is complete. The child is answering questions and describing the onset of the illness, which demonstrates she is alert and oriented. Information regarding antecedent viral infections can be obtained after the child is assessed and stabilized.
4. What condition can result from the bone demineralization associated with immobility? a. Osteoporosis b. Pooling of blood c. Urinary retention d. Susceptibility to infection
ANS: A Bone demineralization leads to a negative calcium balance, osteoporosis, pathologic fractures, extraosseous bone formation, and renal calculi. Pooling of blood is a result of the cardiovascular effects of immobilization. Urinary retention is secondary to the effect of immobilization on the urinary tract. Susceptibility to infection can result from the effects of immobilization on the respiratory and renal systems. DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand
5. When caring for a child after a tonsillectomy, what intervention should the nurse do? a. Watch for continuous swallowing. b. Encourage gargling to reduce discomfort. c. Apply warm compresses to the throat. d. Position the child on the back for sleeping.
ANS: A Continuous swallowing, especially while sleeping, is an early sign of bleeding. The child swallows the blood that is trickling from the operative site. Gargling is discouraged because it could irritate the operative site. Ice compresses are recommended to reduce inflammation. The child should be positioned on the side or abdomen to facilitate drainage of secretions.
9. An infants parents ask the nurse about preventing otitis media (OM). What information should be provided? a. Avoid tobacco smoke. b. Use nasal decongestants. c. Avoid children with OM. d. Bottle- or breastfeed in a supine position.
ANS: A Eliminating tobacco smoke from the childs environment is essential for preventing OM and other common childhood illnesses. Nasal decongestants are not useful in preventing OM. Children with uncomplicated OM are not contagious unless they show other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection. Children should be fed in a semivertical position to prevent OM
19. An 18-month-old child is brought to the emergency department after being found unconscious in the family pool. What does the nurse identify as the primary problem in drowning incidents? a. Hypoxia b. Aspiration c. Hypothermia d. Electrolyte imbalance
ANS: A Hypoxia is the primary problem because it results in global cell damage, with different cells tolerating variable lengths of anoxia. Neurons sustain irreversible damage after 4 to 6 minutes of submersion. Severe neurologic damage occurs from hypoxia in 3 to 6 minutes. Aspiration of fluid does occur, resulting in pulmonary edema, atelectasis, airway spasm, and pneumonitis, which complicate the anoxia. Hypothermia occurs rapidly, except in hot tubs. Electrolyte imbalances do result, but they are not a major cause of morbidity and mortality.
1. An injury to which part of the brain will cause a coma? a. Brainstem b. Cerebrum c. Cerebellum d. Occipital lobe
ANS: A Injury to the brainstem results in stupor and coma. Signs of damage to the cerebrum are specific to the involved area. Individuals with frontal lobe injury may have impaired memory, personality changes, or altered intellectual functioning. Individuals with damage to the cerebellum have difficulties with coordination of muscle movements, including ataxia and nystagmus. Impaired vision and functional blindness result from injury to the occipital lobe.
6. What statement best describes Hirschsprung disease? a. The colon has an aganglionic segment. b. It results in frequent evacuation of solids, liquid, and gas. c. The neonate passes excessive amounts of meconium. d. It results in excessive peristaltic movements within the gastrointestinal tract.
ANS: A Mechanical obstruction in the colon results from a lack of innervation. In most cases, the aganglionic segment includes the rectum and some portion of the distal colon. There is decreased evacuation of the large intestine secondary to the aganglionic segment. Liquid stool may ooze around the blockage. The obstruction does not affect meconium production. The infant may not be able to pass the meconium stool. There is decreased movement in the colon.
Integrity is a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery if pain is not managed? a. Atelectasis b. Hypoglycemia c. Decrease in heart rate d. Increase in cardiac output
ANS: A Pain associated with surgery in the abdominal region (e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy, splenectomy) may result in pulmonary complications. Pain leads to decreased muscle movement in the thorax and abdominal area and leads to decreased tidal volume, vital capacity, functional residual capacity, and alveolar ventilation. The patient is unable to cough and clear secretions, and the risk for complications such as pneumonia and atelectasis is high. Severe postoperative pain also results in sympathetic overactivity, which leads to increases in heart rate, peripheral resistance, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Hypoglycemia, decreases in heart rate, and increases in cardiac output are not complications of poor pain management.
21. A student athlete was injured during a basketball game. The nurse observes significant swelling. The player states he thought he heard a pop, that the pain is pretty bad, and that the ankle feels as if it is coming apart. Based on this description, the nurse suspects what injury? a. Sprain b. Fracture c. Dislocation d. Stress fracture .
ANS: A Sprains account for approximately 75% of all ankle injuries in children. A sprain results when the trauma is so severe that a ligament is either stretched or partially or completely torn by the force created as a joint is twisted or wrenched. Joint laxity is the most valid indicator of the severity of a sprain. A fracture involves the cross-section of the bone. Dislocations occur when the force of stress on the ligaments disrupts the normal positioning of the bone ends. Stress fractures result from repeated muscular contraction and are seen most often in sports involving repetitive weight bearing such as running, gymnastics, and basketball
2. As part of the diagnostic evaluation of a child with cancer, biopsies are important for staging. What statement explains what staging means? a. Extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis b. Rate normal cells are being replaced by cancer cells c. Biologic characteristics of the tumor or lymph nodes d. Abnormal, unrestricted growth of cancer cells producing organ damage
ANS: A Staging is a description of the extent of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Staging criteria exist for most tumors. The stage usually relates directly to the prognosis; the higher the stage, the poorer the prognosis. The rate that normal cells are being replaced by cancer cells is not a definition of staging. Classification of the tumor refers to the biologic characteristics of the tumor or lymph nodes. Abnormal, unrestricted growth of cancer cells producing organ damage describes how cancer cells grow and can cause damage to an organ
13. The nurse should suspect a hearing impairment in an infant who fails to demonstrate which behavior? a. Babbling by age 12 months b. Eye contact when being spoken to c. Startle or blink reflex to sound d. Gesturing to indicate wants after age 15 months
ANS: A The absence of babbling or inflections in voice by at least age 7 months is an indication of hearing difficulties. Lack of eye contact is not indicative of a hearing loss. An infant with a hearing impairment might react to a loud noise but not respond to the spoken word. The child with hearing impairment uses gestures rather than vocalizations to express desires at this age.
14. A child, age 7 years, has a fever associated with a viral illness. She is being cared for at home. What is the principal reason for treating fever in this child? a. Relief of discomfort b. Reassurance that illness is temporary c. Prevention of secondary bacterial infection d. Avoidance of life-threatening complications
ANS: A The principal reason for treating fever is the relief of discomfort. Relief measures include pharmacologic and environmental intervention. The most effective is the use of pharmacologic agents to lower the set point. Although the nurse can reassure the child that the illness is temporary, the child is often uncomfortable and irritable. Intervention helps the child and family minimize the discomfort. Most fevers result from viral, not bacterial, infections. Few lifethreatening events are associated with fever. The use of antipyretics does not seem to reduce the incidence of febrile seizures
9. According to Erikson, the psychosocial task of adolescence is developing what? a. Identity b. Intimacy c. Initiative d. Independence
ANS: A Traditional psychosocial theory holds that the developmental crises of adolescence lead to the formation of a sense of identity. Intimacy is the developmental stage for early adulthood. Independence is not one of Eriksons developmental stages
4. The nurse is checking reflexes on a 7-month-old infant. When the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position, the head is raised and the legs and spine are extended. Which reflex is this? a. Landau b. Parachute c. Body righting d. Labyrinth righting
ANS: A When the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position, the head is raised and the legs and spine are extended; this describes the Landau reflex. It appears at 6 to 8 months and persists until 12 to 24 months. The parachute reflex occurs when the infant is suspended in a horizontal prone position and suddenly thrust downward; the infant extends the hands and fingers forward as if to protect against falling. This appears at age 7 to 9 months and lasts indefinitely. Body righting occurs when turning the hips and shoulders to one side causes all other body parts to follow. It appears at 6 months of age and persists until 24 to 36 months. The labyrinth-righting reflex appears at 2 months and is strongest at 10 months. This reflex involves holding infants in the prone or supine position. They are able to raise their heads.
1. What is the major health concern of children in the United States? a. Acute illness b. Chronic illness c. Congenital disabilities d. Nervous system disorders
ANS: B An estimated 18% of children in the United States have a chronic illness or disability that warrants health care services beyond those usually required by children. Chronic illness has surpassed acute illness as the major health concern for children. Congenital disabilities exist from birth but may not be hereditary. These represent a portion of the number of children with chronic illnesses. Mental and nervous system disorders account for approximately 17% of chronic illnesses in children.
2. Which finding on a newborn assessment should the nurse recognize as suggestive of a clavicle fracture? a. Positive scarf sign b. Asymmetric Moro reflex c. Swelling of fingers on affected side d. Paralysis of affected extremity and muscles
ANS: B A newborn with a broken clavicle may have no signs. The Moro reflex, which results in sudden extension and abduction of the extremities followed by flexion and adduction of the extremities, will most likely be asymmetric. The scarf sign that is used to determine gestational age should not be performed if a broken clavicle is suspected. Swelling of the fingers on the affected side and paralysis of the affected extremity and muscles are not signs of a fractured clavicle.
11. What measure of fluid balance status is most useful in a child with acute glomerulonephritis? a. Proteinuria b. Daily weight c. Specific gravity d. Intake and output
ANS: B A record of daily weight is the most useful means to assess fluid balance and should be kept for children treated at home or in the hospital. Proteinuria does not provide information about fluid balance. Specific gravity does not accurately reflect fluid balance in acute glomerulonephritis. If fluid is being retained, the excess fluid will not be included. Also proteinuria and hematuria affect specific gravity. Intake and output can be useful but are not considered as accurate as daily weights. In children who are not toilet trained, measuring output is more difficult
9. What pathologic process is believed to be responsible for the development of postinfectious glomerulonephritis? a. Infarction of renal vessels b. Immune complex formation and glomerular deposition c. Bacterial endotoxin deposition on and destruction of glomeruli d. Embolization of glomeruli by bacteria and fibrin from endocardial vegetation
ANS: B After a streptococcal infection, antibodies are formed, and immune-complex reaction occurs. The immune complexes are trapped in the glomerular capillary loop. Infarction of renal vessels occurs in renal involvement in sickle cell disease. Bacterial endotoxin deposition on and destruction of glomeruli is not a mechanism for postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Embolization of glomeruli by bacteria and fibrin from endocardial vegetation is the pathology of renal involvement with bacterial endocarditis
17. A cardiac defect that allows blood to shunt from the (high pressure) left side of the heart to the (lower pressure) right side can result in which condition? a. Cyanosis b. Heart failure c. Decreased pulmonary blood flow d. Bounding pulses in upper extremities
ANS: B As blood is shunted into the right side of the heart, there is increased pulmonary blood flow and the child is at high risk for heart failure. Cyanosis usually occurs in defects with decreased pulmonary
17. A cardiac defect that allows blood to shunt from the (high pressure) left side of the heart to the (lower pressure) right side can result in which condition? a. Cyanosis b. Heart failure c. Decreased pulmonary blood flow d. Bounding pulses in upper extremities
ANS: B As blood is shunted into the right side of the heart, there is increased pulmonary blood flow and the child is at high risk for heart failure. Cyanosis usually occurs in defects with decreased pulmonary blood flow. Bounding upper extremity pulses are a manifestation of coarctation of the aorta
11. At which age should the nurse expect an infant to begin smiling in response to pleasurable stimuli? a. 1 month b. 2 months c. 3 months d. 4 months
ANS: B At age 2 months, the infant has a social, responsive smile. A reflex smile is usually present at age 1 month. A 3-month-old infant can recognize familiar faces. At age 4 months, infants can enjoy social interactions.
21. The nurse is preparing a staff education in-service session for a group of new graduate nurses who will be working in a long-term care facility for children; many of the children have cerebral palsy (CP). What statement should the nurse include in the training? a. Children with dyskinetic CP have a wide-based gait and repetitive movements. b. Children with spastic pyramidal CP have a positive Babinski sign and ankle clonus. c. Children with hemiplegia CP have mouth muscles and one lower limb affected. d. Children with ataxic CP have involvement of pharyngeal and oral muscles with dysarthria.
ANS: B CP has a variety of clinical classifications. Spastic pyramidal CP includes manifestations such as a positive Babinski sign and ankle clonus; ataxic CP has a wide-based gait and repetitive movements; hemiplegia CP is characterized by motor dysfunction on one side of the body with upper extremity more affected than lower limbs; and dyskinetic CP involves the pharyngeal and oral muscles, causing drooling and dysarthria.
19. The nurse is caring for a child with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with sepsis. What nursing action should be included in the care of the child? a. Force fluids. b. Monitor pulse oximetry. c. Institute seizure precautions. d. Encourage a high-protein diet.
ANS: B Careful monitoring of oxygenation and cardiopulmonary status is an important evaluation tool in the care of the child with ARDS. Maintenance of vascular volume and hydration is important and should be done parenterally. Seizures are not a side effect of ARDS. Adequate nutrition is necessary, but a high-protein diet is not helpful.
22. The nurse should suspect a child has cerebral palsy (CP) if the parent says what? a. My 6-month-old baby is rolling from back to prone now. b. My 4-month-old doesnt lift his head when on his tummy. c. My 8-month-old can sit without support. d. My 10-month-old is not walking.
ANS: B Delayed gross motor development is a universal manifestation of CP. The child shows a delay in all motor accomplishments, and the discrepancy between motor ability and expected achievement tends to increase with successive developmental milestones as growth advances. The infant who does not lift his head when on the tummy is showing a gross motor delay, as that is seen at 0 to 3 months. The other statements are within normal growth and development expectations
10. Which family theory explains how families react to stressful events and suggests factors that promote adaptation to these events? a. Interactional theory b. Family stress theory c. Eriksons psychosocial theory d. Developmental systems theory
ANS: B Family stress theory explains the reaction of families to stressful events. In addition, the theory helps suggest factors that promote adaptation to the stress. Stressors, both positive and negative, are cumulative and affect the family. Adaptation requires a change in family structure or interaction. Interactional theory is not a family theory. Interactions are the basis of general systems theory. Eriksons theory applies to individual growth and development, not families. Developmental systems theory is an outgrowth of Duvalls theory. The family is described as a small group, a semiclosed system of personalities that interact with the larger cultural system. Changes do not occur in one part of the family without changes in others.
9. What finding is characteristic of fractures in children? a. Fractures rarely occur at the growth plate site because it absorbs shock well. b. Rapidity of healing is inversely related to the childs age. c. Pliable bones of growing children are less porous than those of adults. d. The periosteum of a childs bone is thinner, is weaker, and has less osteogenic potential compared to that of an adult.
ANS: B Healing is more rapid in children. The younger the child, the more rapid the healing process. Nonunion of bone fragments is uncommon except in severe injuries. The epiphyseal plate is the weakest point of long bones and a frequent site of injury during trauma. Childrens bones are more pliable and porous than those of adults. This allows them to bend, buckle, and break. The greater porosity increases the flexibility of the bone and dissipates and absorbs a significant amount of the force on impact. The adult periosteum is thinner, is weaker, and has less osteogenic potential than that of a child.
15. The nurse is caring for a child with persistent hypoxia secondary to a cardiac defect. The nurse recognizes the risk of cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) occurring. What strategy is an important objective to decrease this risk? a. Minimize seizures. b. Prevent dehydration. c. Promote cardiac output. d. Reduce energy expenditure.
ANS: B In children with persistent hypoxia, polycythemia develops. Dehydration must be prevented in hypoxemic children because it potentiates the risk of strokes. Minimizing seizures, promoting cardiac output, and reducing energy expenditure will not reduce the risk of cerebrovascular accidents
15. The nurse is caring for a child with persistent hypoxia secondary to a cardiac defect. The nurse recognizes the risk of cerebrovascular accidents (strokes) occurring. What strategy is an important objective to decrease this risk? a. Minimize seizures. b. Prevent dehydration. c. Promote cardiac output. d. Reduce energy expenditure.
ANS: B In children with persistent hypoxia, polycythemia develops. Dehydration must be prevented in hypoxemic children because it potentiates the risk of strokes. Minimizing seizures, promoting cardiac output, and reducing energy expenditure will not reduce the risk of cerebrovascular accidents.
13. When should the nurse expect jaundice to be present in a full-term infant with hemolytic disease? a. At birth b. Within 24 hours after birth c. 25 to 48 hours after birth d. 49 to 72 hours after birth
ANS: B In hemolytic disease of the infant, jaundice is usually evident within the first 24 hours of life. Infants with hemolytic disease are usually not jaundiced at birth, although some degree of hepatosplenomegaly, pallor, and hypovolemic shock may occur when the most severe form, hydrops fetalis, is present. Twenty-five to 72 hours after birth is too late for hemolytic disease of the infant. Jaundice at these ages is most likely caused by physiologic or early-onset breastfeeding jaundice
13. The mother of a 20-month-old boy tells the nurse that he has a barking cough at night. His temperature is 37 C (98.6 F). The nurse suspects mild croup and should recommend which intervention? a. Admit to the hospital and observe for impending epiglottitis. b. Provide fluids that the child likes and use comfort measures. c. Control fever with acetaminophen and call if cough gets worse tonight. d. Try over-the-counter cough medicine and come to the clinic tomorrow if no improvement.
ANS: B In mild croup, therapeutic interventions include adequate hydration (as long as the child can easily drink) and comfort measures to minimize distress. The child is not exhibiting signs of epiglottitis. A temperature of 37 C is within normal limits. Although a return to the clinic may be indicated, the mother is instructed to return if the child develops noisy respirations or drooling
8. A child, age 3 years, has cerebral palsy (CP) and is hospitalized for orthopedic surgery. His mother says he has difficulty swallowing and cannot hold a utensil to feed himself. He is slightly underweight for his height. What is the most appropriate nursing action related to feeding this child? a. Bottle or tube feed him a specialized formula until he gains sufficient weight. b. Stabilize his jaw with caregivers hand (either from a front or side position) to facilitate swallowing. c. Place him in a well-supported, semireclining position. d. Place him in a sitting position with his neck hyperextended to make use of gravity flow.
ANS: B Jaw control is compromised in many children with CP. More normal control is achieved if the feeder stabilizes the oral mechanisms from the front or side of the face. Bottle or tube feeding will not improve feeding without jaw support. The semireclining position and hyperextended neck position increase the chances of aspiration
5. Gingivitis is a common problem in children with cerebral palsy (CP). What preventive measure should be included in the plan of care? a. High-carbohydrate diet b. Meticulous dental hygiene c. Minimum use of fluoride d. Avoidance of medications that contribute to gingivitis
ANS: B Meticulous oral hygiene is essential. Many children with CP have congenital enamel defects, high-carbohydrate diets, poor nutritional intake, and difficulty closing their mouths. These, coupled with the childs spasticity or clonic movements, make oral hygiene difficult. Children with CP have high carbohydrate intake and retention, which contribute to dental caries. Use of fluoride should be encouraged through fluoridated water or supplements and toothpaste. Certain medications such as phenytoin do contribute to gingival hyperplasia. If that is the drug of choice, then meticulous oral hygiene must be used.
19. The nurse is caring for a child receiving chemotherapy for leukemia. The childs granulocyte count is 600/mm3 and platelet count is 45,000/mm3. What oral care should the nurse recommend for this child? a. Rinsing mouth with water b. Daily toothbrushing and flossing c. Lemon glycerin swabs for cleansing d. Wiping teeth with moistened gauze or Toothettes
ANS: B Oral care is essential for children receiving chemotherapy to prevent infections and other complications. When the childs granulocyte count is above 500/mm3 and platelet count is above 40,000/mm3, daily brushing and flossing are recommended. Rinsing the mouth with water is not effective for oral hygiene. Lemon glycerin swabs are avoided because they have a drying effect on the mucous membranes, and the lemon may irritate eroded tissue and decay the childs teeth. Wiping teeth with moistened gauze or Toothettes is recommended when the childs granulocyte count is below 500/mm3 and platelet count is below 40,000/mm3
7. The parents of a child with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) state that their child seems to have significant pain. In addition to systemic pharmacologic management, the nurse includes which teaching? a. Patterning b. Positions to reduce spasticity c. Stretching exercises after meals d. Topical analgesics for muscle spasms
ANS: B Parents and children are taught positions to assume while sitting and recumbent that reduce spasticity. The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that patterning should not be used for neurologically disabled children. Patterning attempts to alter abnormal tone and posture and elicit desired movements through positional manipulation or other means of modifying or augmenting sensory output. Stretching should be done after appropriate analgesic medication has been given and is effective. Topical analgesia is not effective for the muscle spasms of spastic CP.
1. What childhood cancer may demonstrate patterns of inheritance that suggest a familial basis? a. Leukemia b. Retinoblastoma c. Rhabdomyosarcoma d. Osteogenic sarcoma
ANS: B Retinoblastoma is an example of a pediatric cancer that demonstrates inheritance. The absence of the retinoblastoma gene allows for abnormal cell growth and the development of retinoblastoma. Chromosome abnormalities are present in many malignancies. They do not indicate a familial pattern of inheritance. The Philadelphia chromosome is observed in almost all individuals with chronic myelogenous leukemia. There is no evidence of a familial pattern of inheritance for rhabdomyosarcoma or osteogenic sarcoma cancers.
3. What type of cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common type? a. Ataxic b. Spastic c. Dyskinetic d. Mixed type
ANS: B Spastic CP is the most common clinical type. Early manifestations are usually generalized hypotonia, or decreased tone that lasts for a few weeks or may extend for months or as long as 1 year. It is replaced by increased stretch reflexes, increased muscle tone, and weakness. Ataxic, dyskinetic, and mixed type are less common forms of CP.
4. What term is used when a patient remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and repeated stimulation? a. Coma b. Stupor c. Obtundation d. Persistent vegetative state
ANS: B Stupor exists when the child remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and repeated stimulation. Coma is the state in which no motor or verbal response occurs to noxious (painful) stimuli. Obtundation describes a level of consciousness in which the child is arousable with stimulation. Persistent vegetative state describes the permanent loss of function of the cerebral cortex.
8. A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. How should the nurse prepare this child? a. It is unnecessary because of childs age. b. It is essential because it will be an adjustment. c. Preparation is not needed because the colostomy is temporary. d. Preparation is important because the child needs to deal with negative body image.
ANS: B The childs age dictates the type and extent of psychologic preparation. When a colostomy is performed, it is necessary to prepare the child who is at least preschool age by telling him or her about the procedure and what to expect in concrete terms, with the use of visual aids. The preschooler is not yet concerned with body image.
14. The nurse encourages the mother of a toddler with acute laryngotracheobronchitis to stay at the bedside as much as possible. What is the primary rationale for this action? a. Mothers of hospitalized toddlers often experience guilt. b. The mothers presence will reduce anxiety and ease the childs respiratory efforts. c. Separation from the mother is a major developmental threat at this age. d. The mother can provide constant observations of the childs respiratory efforts.
ANS: B The familys presence will decrease the childs distress. It is true that mothers of hospitalized toddlers often experience guilt and that separation from mother is a major developmental threat for toddlers, but the main reason to keep parents at the childs bedside is to ease anxiety and therefore respiratory effort.
12. A 7-year-old child has just had a cast applied for a fractured arm with the wrist and elbow immobilized. What information should be included in the home care instructions? a. No restrictions of activity are indicated. b. Elevate casted arm when both upright and resting. c. The shoulder should be kept as immobile as possible to avoid pain. d. Swelling of the fingers is to be expected. Notify a health professional if it persists more than 48 hours.
ANS: B The injured extremity should be kept elevated while resting and in a sling when upright. This will increase venous return. The child should not engage in strenuous activity for the first few days. Rest with elevation of the extremity is encouraged. Joints above and below the cast on the affected extremity should be moved. Swelling of the fingers may indicate neurovascular damage and should be reported immediately. Permanent damage can occur within 6 to 8 hours.
15. A school-age child with leukemia experienced severe nausea and vomiting when receiving chemotherapy for the first time. What is the most appropriate nursing action to prevent or minimize these reactions with subsequent treatments? a. Administer the chemotherapy between meals. b. Give an antiemetic before chemotherapy begins. c. Have the child bring favorite foods for snacks. d. Keep the child NPO (nothing by mouth) until nausea and vomiting subside.
ANS: B The most beneficial regimen to minimize nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy is to administer a 5-hydroxytryptamine-3 receptor antagonist (e.g., ondansetron) before the chemotherapy is begun. The goal is to prevent anticipatory signs and symptoms. The child will experience nausea with chemotherapy whether or not food is present in the stomach. Because some children develop aversions to foods eaten during chemotherapy, refraining from offering favorite foods is advised. Keeping the child NPO until nausea and vomiting subside will help with this episode, but the child will have discomfort and be at risk for dehydration
18. What blood flow pattern occurs in a ventricular septal defect? a. Mixed blood flow b. Increased pulmonary blood flow c. Decreased pulmonary blood flow d. Obstruction to blood flow from ventricles
ANS: B The opening in the septal wall allows for blood to flow from the higher pressure left ventricle into the lower pressure right ventricle. This left-to-right shunt creates increased pulmonary blood flow. The shunt is one way, from high pressure to lower pressure; oxygenated and unoxygenated blood do not mix. The outflow of blood from the ventricles is not affected by the septal defect
24. A recommendation to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) is the supplementation of what? a. Vitamin A throughout pregnancy b. Folic acid for all women of childbearing age c. Folic acid during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy d. Multivitamin preparations as soon as pregnancy is suspected
ANS: B The widespread use of folic acid among women of childbearing age has decreased the incidence NTDs. In the United States, the rates of NTDs have declined from 1.3 per 1000 births in 1990 to 0.3 per 1000 after the introduction of mandatory folic acid supplementation in food in 1998. Vitamin A is not related to the prevention of NTDs. Folic acid supplementation is recommended for the preconceptual period, as well as during the pregnancy. The NTD is a failure of neural tube closure during early development, the first 3 to 5 weeks.
10. The nurse notes that a child has lost 3.6 kg (8 lb) after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. What is the most likely cause of this weight loss? a. Poor appetite b. Reduction of edema c. Restriction to bed rest d. Increased potassium intake
ANS: B This amount of weight loss in this period is a result of the improvement of renal function and mobilization of edema fluid. Poor appetite and bed rest would not result in a weight loss of 8 lb in 4 days. Foods with substantial amounts of potassium are avoided until renal function is normalized.
11. What clinical manifestation is a common sign of digoxin toxicity? a. Seizures b. Vomiting c. Bradypnea d. Tachycardia
ANS: B Vomiting is a common sign of digoxin toxicity and is often unrelated to feedings. Seizures are not associated with digoxin toxicity. The child will have a slower (not faster) heart rate but not a slower respiratory rate.
8. The nurse is administering an intravenous chemotherapeutic agent to a child with leukemia. The child suddenly begins to wheeze and have severe urticaria. What nursing action is most appropriate to initiate? a. Recheck the rate of drug infusion. b. Stop the drug infusion immediately. c. Observe the child closely for next 10 minutes. d. Explain to the child that this is an expected side effect.
ANS: B When an allergic reaction is suspected, the drug is immediately discontinued. Any drug in the line should be withdrawn, and a normal saline infusion begun to keep the line open. The intravenous infusion is stopped to minimize the amount of drug that infuses. The infusion rate can be confirmed at a later time. Observation of the child for 10 minutes is essential, but it is done after the infusion is stopped. These signs are indicative of an allergic reaction, not an expected response
5. A 17-month-old child should be expected to be in which stage, according to Piaget? a. Preoperations b. Concrete operations c. Tertiary circular reactions d. Secondary circular reactions
ANS: C A 17-month-old is in the fifth stage of the sensorimotor phase, tertiary circular reactions. The child uses active experimentation to achieve previously unattainable goals. Preoperations is the stage of cognitive development usually present in older toddlers and preschoolers. Concrete operations is the cognitive stage associated with school-age children. The secondary circular reaction stage lasts from about ages 4 to 8 months
16. A school-age child has sustained a head injury and multiple fractures after being thrown from a horse. The childs level of consciousness is variable. The parents tell the nurse that they think their child is in pain because of periodic crying and restlessness. What is the most appropriate nursing action? a. Explain that analgesia is contraindicated with a head injury. b. Have the parents describe the childs previous experiences with pain. c. Consult with a practitioner about what analgesia can be safely administered. d. Teach the parents that analgesia is unnecessary when the child is not fully awake and alert.
ANS: C A key nursing role is to provide sedation and analgesia for the child. Consultation with the appropriate practitioner is necessary to avoid conflict between the necessity to monitor the childs neurologic status and to promote comfort and relieve anxiety. Analgesia can be safely used in individuals who have sustained head injuries. The childs previous experiences with pain should be obtained as part of the assessment, but because of the severity of the injury, analgesia should be provided as soon as possible. Analgesia can decrease anxiety and resultant increased intracranial pressure.
16. When doing the first assessment of a male newborn, the nurse notes that the scrotum is large, edematous, and pendulous. What should this be interpreted as? a. A hydrocele b. An inguinal hernia c. A normal finding d. An absence of testes
ANS: C A large, edematous, and pendulous scrotum in a term newborn, especially in those born in a breech position, is a normal finding. A hydrocele is fluid in the scrotum, usually unilateral, which usually resolves within a few months. An inguinal hernia may or may not be present at birth. It is more easily detected when the child is crying. The presence or absence of testes should be determined on palpation of the scrotum and inguinal canal. Absence of testes may be an indication of ambiguous genitalia
1. Urinary tract anomalies are frequently associated with what irregularities in fetal development? a. Myelomeningocele b. Cardiovascular anomalies c. Malformed or low-set ears d. Defects in lower extremities
ANS: C Although unexplained, there is a frequent association between malformed or low-set ears and urinary tract anomalies. During the newborn examination, the nurse should have a high suspicion about urinary tract structure and function if ear anomalies are present. Children who have myelomeningocele may have impaired urinary tract function secondary to the neural defect. When other congenital defects are present, there is an increased likelihood of other issues with other body systems. Cardiac and extremity defects do not have a strong association with renal anomalies
2. During the 2-month well-child checkup, the nurse expects the infant to respond to sound in which manner? a. Respond to name. b. React to loud noise with Moro reflex. c. Turn his or her head to side when sound is at ear level. d. Locate sound by turning his or her head in a curving arc.
ANS: C At 2 months of age, an infant should turn his or her head to the side when a noise is made at ear level. At birth, infants respond to sound with a startle or Moro reflex. An infant responds to his or her name and locates sounds by turning his or her head in a curving arc at age 6 to 9 months.
12. The parent of a child hospitalized with acute glomerulonephritis asks the nurse why blood pressure readings are being taken so often. What knowledge should influence the nurses reply? a. The antibiotic therapy contributes to labile blood pressure values. b. Hypotension leading to sudden shock can develop at any time. c. Acute hypertension is a concern that requires monitoring. d. Blood pressure fluctuations indicate that the condition has become chronic.
ANS: C Blood pressure monitoring is essential to identify acute hypertension, which is treated aggressively. Antibiotic therapy is usually not indicated for glomerulonephritis. Hypertension, not hypotension, is a concern in glomerulonephritis. Blood pressure control is essential to prevent further renal damage. Blood pressure fluctuations do not provide information about the chronicity of the disease.
4. The parents of an infant with cerebral palsy (CP) ask the nurse if their child will have cognitive impairment. The nurses response should be based on which knowledge? a. Affected children have some degree of cognitive impairment. b. Around 20% of affected children have normal intelligence. c. About 45% of affected children have normal intelligence. d. Cognitive impairment is expected if motor and sensory deficits are severe.
ANS: C Children with CP have a wide range of intelligence, and 40% to 50% are within normal limits. A large percentage of children with CP do not have mental impairment. Many individuals who have severely limiting physical impairment have the least amount of intellectual compromise.
2. The parents of 9-year-old twin children tell the nurse, They have filled up their bedroom with collections of rocks, shells, stamps, and bird nests. The nurse should recognize that this is which? a. Indicative of giftedness b. Indicative of typical twin behavior c. Characteristic of cognitive development at this age d. Characteristic of psychosocial development at this age
ANS: C Classification skills involve the ability to group objects according to the attributes they have in common. School-age children can place things in a sensible and logical order, group and sort, and hold a concept in their mind while they make decisions based on that concept. Individuals who are not twins engage in classification at this age. Psychosocial behavior at this age is described according to Eriksons stage of industry versus inferiority.
20. What statement best describes Duchenne (pseudohypertrophic) muscular dystrophy (DMD)? a. It has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. b. Onset occurs in later childhood and adolescence. c. It is characterized by presence of Gower sign, a waddling gait, and lordosis. d. Disease stabilizes during adolescence, allowing for life expectancy to approximately age 40 years.
ANS: C DMD is characterized by a waddling gait and lordosis. Gower sign is a characteristic way of rising from a squatting or sitting position on the floor. DMD is inherited as an X-linked recessive gene. Genetic counseling is recommended for parents, female siblings, maternal aunts, and their female offspring. Onset occurs usually between ages 3 and 5 years. DMD has a progressive and relentless loss of muscle function until death by respiratory or cardiac failure.
20. What statement best describes Duchenne (pseudohypertrophic) muscular dystrophy (DMD)? a. It has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. b. Onset occurs in later childhood and adolescence. c. It is characterized by presence of Gower sign, a waddling gait, and lordosis. d. Disease stabilizes during adolescence, allowing for life expectancy to approximately age 40 years.
ANS: C DMD is characterized by a waddling gait and lordosis. Gower sign is a characteristic way of rising from a squatting or sitting position on the floor. DMD is inherited as an X-linked recessive gene. Genetic counseling is recommended for parents, female siblings, maternal aunts, and their female offspring. Onset occurs usually between ages 3 and 5 years. DMD has a progressive and relentless loss of muscle function until death by respiratory or cardiac failure.
2. What finding is a clinical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in children? a. Low-pitched cry b. Sunken fontanel c. Diplopia, blurred vision d. Increased blood pressure
ANS: C Diplopia and blurred vision are signs of increased ICP in children. A high-pitched cry and a tense or bulging fontanel are characteristic of increased ICP. Increased blood pressure, common in adults, is rarely seen in children.
16. The nurse is teaching a child experiencing severe edema associated with minimal change nephrotic syndrome about his diet. The nurse should discuss what dietary need? a. Consuming a regular diet b. Increasing protein c. Restricting fluids d. Decreasing calories
ANS: C During the edematous stage of active nephrosis, the child has restricted fluid and sodium intake. As the edema subsides, the child is placed on a diet with increased salt and fluids. A regular diet is not indicated. There is no evidence that a diet high in protein is beneficial or has an effect on the course of the disease. Calories sufficient for growth and tissue healing are essential. With the child having little appetite and the fluid and salt restrictions, achieving adequate nutrition is difficult
17. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized adolescent whose femur was fractured 18 hours ago. The adolescent suddenly develops chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse should suspect what complication? a. Sepsis b. Osteomyelitis c. Pulmonary embolism d. Acute respiratory tract infection
ANS: C Fat emboli are of greatest concern in individuals with fractures of the long bones. Fat droplets from the marrow are transferred to the general circulation, where they are transported to the lung or brain. This type of embolism usually occurs within the second 12 hours after the injury. Sepsis would manifest with fever and lethargy. Osteomyelitis usually is seen with pain at the site of infection and fever. A child with an acute respiratory tract infection would have nasal congestion, not chest pain
8. A child is in the intensive care unit after a motor vehicle collision. The child has numerous fractures and is in pain that is rated 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale. In planning care, the nurse recognizes that the indicated action is which? a. Give only an opioid analgesic at this time. b. Increase dosage of analgesic until the child is adequately sedated. c. Plan a preventive schedule of pain medication around the clock. d. Give the child a clock and explain when she or he can have pain medications.
ANS: C For severe postoperative pain, a preventive around the clock (ATC) schedule is necessary to prevent decreased plasma levels of medications. The opioid analgesic will help for the present, but it is not an effective strategy. Increasing the dosage requires an order. The nurse should give the drug on a regular schedule and evaluate the effectiveness. Using a clock is counterproductive because it focuses the childs attention on how long he or she will need to wait for pain relief.
6. A girl, age 5 1/2 years, has been sent to the school nurse for urinary incontinence three times in the past 2 days. The nurse should recommend to her parent that the first action is to have the child evaluated for what condition? a. School phobia b. Glomerulonephritis c. Urinary tract infection (UTI) d. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ANS: C Girls between the ages of 2 and 6 years are considered high risk for UTIs. This child is showing signs of a UTI, including incontinence in a toilet-trained child and possible urinary frequency or urgency. A physiologic cause should be ruled out before psychosocial factors are investigated. Glomerulonephritis usually manifests with decreased urinary output and fluid retention. ADHD can contribute to urinary incontinence because the child is distracted, but the first manifestation was incontinence, not distractibility.
13. Nursing care of the child with myelosuppression from leukemia or chemotherapeutic agents should include which therapeutic intervention? a. Restrict oral fluids. b. Institute strict isolation. c. Use good hand-washing technique. d. Give immunizations appropriate for age.
ANS: C Good hand washing minimizes the exposure to infectious organisms and decreases the chance of infection spread. Oral fluids are encouraged if the child is able to drink. If possible, the intravenous route is not used because of the increased risk of infection from parenteral fluid administration. Strict isolation is not indicated. When the child is immunocompromised, the vaccines are not effective. If necessary, the appropriate immunoglobulin is administered.
15. A hospitalized child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is receiving high doses of prednisone. What nursing goal is appropriate for this child? a. Stimulate appetite. b. Detect evidence of edema. c. Minimize risk of infection. d. Promote adherence to the antibiotic regimen.
ANS: C High-dose steroid therapy has an immunosuppressant effect. These children are particularly vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections. A priority nursing goal is to minimize the risk of infection by protecting the child from contact with infectious individuals. Appetite is increased with prednisone therapy. The amount of edema should be monitored as part of the disease process, not necessarily related to the administration of prednisone. Antibiotics would not be used as prophylaxis.
2. Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by which clinical manifestations? a. Athetosis, dystonic movements b. Tremors, lack of active movement c. Hypertonicity; poor control of posture, balance, and coordinated motion d. Wide-based gait; poor performance of rapid, repetitive movements
ANS: C Hypertonicity and poor control of posture, balance, and coordinated motion are part of the classification of spastic CP. Athetosis and dystonic movements are part of the classification of dyskinetic or athetoid CP. Tremors and lack of active movement may indicate other neurologic disorders. A wide-based gait and poor performance of rapid, repetitive movements are part of the classification of ataxic CP
12. The nurse is assessing a child with croup in the emergency department. The child has a sore throat and is drooling. Examining the childs throat using a tongue depressor might precipitate what condition? a. Sore throat b. Inspiratory stridor c. Complete obstruction d. Respiratory tract infection
ANS: C If a child has acute epiglottitis, examination of the throat may cause complete obstruction and should be performed only when immediate intubation can take place. Sore throat and pain on swallowing are early signs of epiglottitis. Stridor is aggravated when a child with epiglottitis is supine. Epiglottitis is caused by Haemophilus influenzae in the respiratory tract.
23. The nurse is assessing the Tanner stage in an adolescent female. The nurse recognizes that the stages are based on which? a. The stages of vaginal changes b. The progression of menstrual cycles to regularity c. Breast size and the shape and distribution of pubic hair d. The development of fat deposits around the hips and buttocks
ANS: C In females, the Tanner stages describe pubertal development based on breast size and the shape and distribution of pubic hair. The stages of vaginal changes, progression of menstrual cycles to regularity, and the development of fat deposits occur during puberty but are not used for the Tanner stages
7. A Hispanic toddler has pneumonia. The nurse notices that the parent consistently feeds the child only the broth that comes on the clear liquid tray. Food items, such as Jell-O, Popsicles, and juices, are left. Which statement best explains this? a. The parent is trying to feed the child only what the child likes most. b. Hispanics believe the evil eye enters when a person gets cold. c. The parent is trying to restore normal balance through appropriate hot remedies. d. Hispanics believe an innate energy called chi is strengthened by eating soup.
ANS: C In several cultures, including Filipino, Chinese, Arabic, and Hispanic, hot and cold describe certain properties completely unrelated to temperature. Respiratory conditions such as pneumonia are cold conditions and are treated with hot foods. The child may like broth but is unlikely to always prefer it to Jell-O, Popsicles, and juice. The evil eye applies to a state of imbalance of health, not curative actions. Chinese individuals, not Hispanic individuals, believe in chi as an innate energy.
23. The nurse is caring for a 4-year-old child with cerebral palsy (CP). The child, developmentally, is at an infant stage. Appropriate developmental stimulation for this child should be what? a. Playing pat-a-cake with the child b. None so the child does not become overstimulated c. Putting a colorful mobile with music on the bed d. Giving the child a coloring book and crayons
ANS: C Incorporating play into the therapeutic program for a child with CP often requires great ingenuity and inventiveness from those involved in the childs care. Objects and toys are chosen for the childs developmental stage to provide needed sensory input using a variety of shapes, forms, and textures. Nurses can help parents integrate therapy into play activities in natural ways.
8. According to Piaget, a 6-month-old infant should be in which developmental stage? a. Use of reflexes b. Primary circular reactions c. Secondary circular reactions d. Coordination of secondary schemata
ANS: C Infants are usually in the secondary circular reaction stage from ages 4 to 8 months. This stage is characterized by a continuation of the primary circular reaction for the response that results. Shaking is performed to hear the noise of the rattle, not just for shaking. The use of reflexes stage is primarily during the first month of life. The primary circular reaction stage marks the replacement of reflexes with voluntary acts. The infant is in this stage from ages 1 to 4 months. The fourth sensorimotor stage is coordination of secondary schemata, which occurs at ages 9 to 12 months. This is a transitional stage in which increasing motor skills enable greater exploration of the environment
7. By which age should the nurse expect that an infant will be able to pull to a standing position? a. 5 to 6 months b. 7 to 8 months c. 11 to 12 months d. 14 to 15 months
ANS: C Most infants can pull themselves to a standing position at age 9 months. Infants who are not able to pull themselves to standing by age 11 to 12 months should be further evaluated for developmental dysplasia of the hip. At 6 months, infants have just obtained coordination of arms and legs. By age 8 months, infants can bear full weight on their legs.
10. Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) differs from acute otitis media (AOM) because it is usually characterized by which signs or symptoms? a. Severe pain in the ear b. Anorexia and vomiting c. A feeling of fullness in the ear d. Fever as high as 40 C (104 F)
ANS: C OME is characterized by a feeling of fullness in the ear or other nonspecific complaints. OME does not cause severe pain. This may be a sign of AOM. Vomiting, anorexia, and fever are associated with AOM.
5. What term is used to describe a childs level of consciousness when the child is arousable with stimulation? a. Stupor b. Confusion c. Obtundation d. Disorientation
ANS: C Obtundation describes a level of consciousness in which the child is arousable with stimulation. Stupor is a state in which the child remains in a deep sleep, responsive only to vigorous and repeated stimulation. Confusion is impaired decision making. Disorientation is confusion regarding time and place
12. What nursing intervention is appropriate when caring for an unconscious child? a. Avoid using narcotics or sedatives to provide comfort and pain relief. b. Change the childs position infrequently to minimize the chance of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). c. Monitor fluid intake and output carefully to avoid fluid overload and cerebral edema. d. Give tepid sponge baths to reduce fevers above 38.3 C (101 F) because antipyretics are contraindicated.
ANS: C Often comatose patients cannot cope with the quantity of fluids that they normally tolerate. Overhydration must be avoided to prevent fatal cerebral edema. Narcotics and sedatives should be used as necessary to reduce pain and anxiety, which can increase ICP. The childs position should be changed frequently to avoid complications such as pneumonia and skin breakdown. Antipyretics are the method of choice for fever reduction.
13. The nurse uses the five Ps to assess ischemia in a child with a fracture. What finding is considered a late and ominous sign? a. Petaling b. Posturing c. Paresthesia d. Positioning
ANS: C Paresthesia distal to the injury or cast is an ominous sign that requires immediate notification of the practitioner. Permanent muscle and tissue damage can occur within 6 hours. The other signs of ischemia that need to be reported are pain, pallor, pulselessness, and paralysis. Petaling is a method of placing protective or smooth edges on a cast. Posturing is not a sign of peripheral ischemia. Finding a position of comfort can be difficult with a fracture. It would not be an ominous sign unless pain was increasing or uncontrollable
30. What is an appropriate screening test for hearing that the nurse can administer to a 5-year-old child? a. Rinne test b. Weber test c. Pure tone audiometry d. Eliciting the startle reflex
ANS: C Pure tone audiometry uses an audiometer that produces sounds at different volumes and pitches in the childs ears. The child is asked to respond in some way when the tone is heard in the earphone. The Rinne and Weber tests measure bone conduction of sound. Eliciting the startle reflex may be useful in infants.
3. What are quick, jerky, grossly uncoordinated, irregular movements that may disappear on relaxation called? a. Twitching b. Spasticity c. Choreiform movements d. Associated movements
ANS: C Quick, jerky, grossly uncoordinated, irregular movements that may disappear on relaxation are called choreiform movements. Twitching is defined as spasmodic movements of short duration. Spasticity is the prolonged and steady contraction of a muscle characterized by clonus (alternating relaxation and contraction of the muscle) and exaggerated reflexes. Associated movements are the voluntary movement of one muscle accompanied by the involuntary movement of another muscle
15. An infant with bronchiolitis is hospitalized. The causative organism is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The nurse knows that a child infected with this virus requires what type of isolation? a. Reverse isolation b. Airborne isolation c. Contact Precautions d. Standard Precautions
ANS: C RSV is transmitted through droplets. In addition to Standard Precautions and hand washing, Contact Precautions are required. Caregivers must use gloves and gowns when entering the room. Care is taken not to touch their own eyes or mucous membranes with a contaminated gloved hand. Children are placed in a private room or in a room with other children with RSV infections. Reverse isolation focuses on keeping bacteria away from the infant. With RSV, other children need to be protected from exposure to the virus. The virus is not airborne.
8. In teaching the parent of a newly diagnosed 2-year-old child with pyelonephritis related to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the nurse should include which information? a. Limit fluids to reduce reflux. b. Give cranberry juice twice a day. c. Have siblings examined for VUR. d. Surgery is indicated to reverse scarring.
ANS: C Siblings are at high risk for VUR. The incidence of reflux in siblings is approximately 36%. The other children should be screened for early detection and to potentially reduce scarring. Fluids are not reduced. The efficacy of cranberry juice in reducing infection in children has not been established. Surgery may be necessary for higher grades of VUR, but the scarring is not reversible
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 9. A child has a nasogastric (NG) tube after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. What is the purpose of the NG tube? a. Prevent spread of infection. b. Monitor electrolyte balance. c. Prevent abdominal distention. d. Maintain accurate record of output.
ANS: C The NG tube is placed to suction out gastrointestinal secretions and prevent abdominal distention. The NG tube would not affect infection. Electrolyte content of the NG drainage can be monitored. Without the NG tube, there would be no drainage. After the NG tube is placed, it is important to maintain an accurate record of intake and output. This is not the reason for placement of the tube.
3. A mother states that she brought her child to the clinic because the 3-year-old girl was not keeping up with her siblings. During physical assessment, the nurse notes that the child has pale skin and conjunctiva and has muscle weakness. The hemoglobin on admission is 6.4 g/dl. After notifying the practitioner of the results, what nursing priority intervention should occur next? a. Reduce environmental stimulation to prevent seizures. b. Have the laboratory repeat the analysis with a new specimen. c. Minimize energy expenditure to decrease cardiac workload. d. Administer intravenous fluids to correct the dehydration.
ANS: C The child has a critically low hemoglobin value. The expected range is 11.5 to 15.5 g/dl. When the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood decreases slowly, the child is able to compensate by increasing cardiac output. With the increasing workload of the heart, additional stress can lead to cardiac failure. Reduction of environmental stimulation can help minimize energy expenditure, but seizures are not a risk. A repeat hemoglobin analysis is not necessary. The child does not have evidence of dehydration. If intravenous fluids are given, they can further dilute the circulating blood volume and increase the strain on the heart.
15. The nurse is caring for a child admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation? a. Place in the Trendelenburg position. b. Apply moist heat to the abdomen. c. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort. d. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.
ANS: C The child should be allowed to take a position of comfort, usually with the legs flexed. The Trendelenburg position will not help with the discomfort. If appendicitis is a possibility, administering laxative or enemas or applying heat to the area is dangerous. Such measures stimulate bowel motility and increase the risk of perforation
18. A toddler has a unilateral foul-smelling nasal discharge and frequent sneezing. The nurse should suspect what condition? a. Allergies b. Acute pharyngitis c. Foreign body in the nose d. Acute nasopharyngitis
ANS: C The irritation of a foreign body in the nose produces local mucosal swelling with foul-smelling nasal discharge, local obstruction with sneezing, and mild discomfort. Allergies would produce clear bilateral nasal discharge. Nasal discharge is usually not associated with pharyngitis. Acute nasopharyngitis would have bilateral mucous discharge
19. What condition is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children? a. Pyelonephritis b. Tubular destruction c. Severe dehydration d. Upper tract obstruction
ANS: C The most common cause of acute renal failure in children is dehydration or other causes of poor perfusion that may respond to restoration of fluid volume. Pyelonephritis and tubular destruction are not common causes of acute renal failure. Obstructive uropathy may cause acute renal failure, but it is not the most common cause
14. What is the primary objective of care for the child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS)? a. Reduce blood pressure. b. Lower serum protein levels. c. Minimize excretion of urinary protein. d. Increase the ability of tissue to retain fluid.
ANS: C The objectives of therapy for the child with MCNS include reducing the excretion of urinary protein, reducing fluid retention, preventing infection, and minimizing complications associated with therapy. Blood pressure is usually not elevated in minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Serum protein levels are already reduced as part of the disease process. This needs to be reversed. The tissue is already retaining fluid as part of the edema. The goal of therapy is to reduce edema.
9. A newborn assessment shows a separated sagittal suture, oblique palpebral fissures, a depressed nasal bridge, a protruding tongue, and transverse palmar creases. These findings are most suggestive of which condition? a. Microcephaly b. Cerebral palsy c. Down syndrome d. Fragile X syndrome
ANS: C These are characteristics associated with Down syndrome. An infant with microcephaly has a small head. Cerebral palsy is a diagnosis not usually made at birth; no characteristic physical signs are present. The infant with fragile X syndrome has increased head circumference; long, wide, or protruding ears; a long, narrow face with a prominent jaw; hypotonia; and a high-arched palate.
20. The nurse is assessing the reflexes of a newborn. Stroking the outer sole of the foot assesses which reflex? a. Grasp b. Perez c. Babinski d. Dance or step
ANS: C This is a description of the Babinski reflex. Stroking the outer sole of the foot upward from the heel across the ball of the foot causes the big toes to dorsiflex and the other toes to hyperextend. This reflex persists until approximately age 1 year or when the newborn begins to walk. The grasp reflex is elicited by touching the palms or soles at the base of the digits. The digits will flex or grasp. The Perez reflex involves stroking the newborns back when prone; the child flexes the extremities, elevating the head and pelvis. This disappears at ages 4 to 6 months. When the newborn is held so that the sole of the foot touches a hard surface, there is a reciprocal flexion and extension of the leg, simulating walking. This reflex disappears by ages 3 to 4 weeks
10. A 14-year-old is admitted to the emergency department with a fracture of the right humerus epiphyseal plate through the joint surface. What information does the nurse know regarding this type of fracture? a. It will create difficulty because the child is left handed. b. It will heal slowly because this is the weakest part of the bone. c. This type of fracture requires different management to prevent bone growth complications. d. This type of fracture necessitates complete immobilization of the shoulder for 4 to 6 weeks.
ANS: C This type of fracture (Salter type III) can cause problems with growth in the affected limb. Early and complete assessment is essential to prevent angular deformities and longitudinal growth problems. The difficulty for the child does not depend on the location at the epiphyseal plate. Any fracture of the dominant arm presents obstacles for the individual. Healing is usually rapid in the epiphyseal plate area. Complete immobilization is not necessary. Often these injuries are surgically repaired with open reduction and internal fixation.
15. A critically ill child has hyperthermia. The parents ask the nurse to give an antipyretic such as acetaminophen. How should the nurse respond to the parents? a. Febrile seizures can result. b. Antipyretics may cause malignant hyperthermia. c. Antipyretics are of no value in treating hyperthermia. d. Liver damage may occur in critically ill children.
ANS: C Unlike with fever, antipyretics are of no value in hyperthermia because the set point is already normal. Cooling measures are used instead. Antipyretics do not cause seizures. Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic myopathy that is triggered by anesthetic agents. Antipyretic agents do not have this effect. Acetaminophen can result in liver damage if too much is given or if the liver is already compromised. Other antipyretics are available, but they are of no value in hyperthermia
5. The nurse is teaching a client to prevent future urinary tract infections (UTIs). What factor is most important to emphasize as the potential cause? a. Poor hygiene b. Constipation c. Urinary stasis d. Congenital anomalies
ANS: C Urinary stasis is the single most important host factor that influences the development of UTIs. Urine is usually sterile but at body temperature provides an excellent growth medium for bacteria. Poor hygiene can be a contributing cause, especially in females because their short urethras predispose them to UTIs. Urinary stasis then provides a growth medium for the bacteria. Intermittent constipation contributes to urinary stasis. A full rectum displaces the bladder and posterior urethra in the fixed and limited space of the bony pelvis, causing obstruction, incomplete micturition, and urinary stasis. Congenital anomalies can contribute to UTIs, but urinary stasis is the primary factor in many cases.
24. The nurse is assessing the Tanner stage in an adolescent male. The nurse recognizes that the stages are based on what? a. Hair growth on the face and chest b. Changes in the voice to a deeper timbre c. Muscle growth in the arms, legs, and shoulders d. Size and shape of the penis and scrotum and distribution of pubic hair
ANS: D In males, the Tanner stages describe pubertal development based on the size and shape of the penis and scrotum and the shape and distribution of pubic hair. During puberty, hair begins to grow on the face and chest; the voice becomes deeper; and muscles grow in the arms, legs, and shoulders, but these are not used for the Tanner stages.
16. A 3-month-old infant has a hypercyanotic spell. What should be the nurses first action? a. Assess for neurologic defects. b. Prepare the family for imminent death. c. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. d. Place the child in the kneechest position.
ANS: D The first action is to place the infant in the kneechest position. Blow-by oxygen may be indicated. Neurologic defects are unlikely. Preparing the family for imminent death or beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be unnecessary. The child is assessed for airway, breathing, and circulation. Often, calming the child and administering oxygen and morphine can alleviate the hypercyanotic spell.
7. What recommendation should the nurse make to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls? a. Avoid public toilet facilities. b. Limit long baths as much as possible. c. Cleanse the perineum with water after voiding. d. Ensure clear liquid intake of 2 L/day.
ANS: D Adequate fluid intake minimizes urinary stasis. The recommended fluid intake is 50 ml/kg or 100 ml/lb per day. The average 5- to 6-year-old weighs approximately 18 kg (40 lb), so she should drink 2 L/day of fluid. There is no evidence that using public toilet facilities increases UTIs. Long baths are not associated with increased UTIs. Proper hand washing and perineal cleansing are important, but no evidence exists that these decrease UTIs in young girls
9. An 8-year-old girl with moderate cerebral palsy (CP) recently began joining a regular classroom for part of the day. Her mother asks the school nurse about joining the after-school Girl Scout troop. The nurses response should be based on which knowledge? a. Most activities such as Girl Scouts cannot be adapted for children with CP. b. After-school activities usually result in extreme fatigue for children with CP. c. Trying to participate in activities such as Girl Scouts leads to lowered self-esteem in children with CP. d. Recreational activities often provide children with CP with opportunities for socialization and recreation.
ANS: D After-school and recreational activities serve to stimulate childrens interest and curiosity. They help the children adjust to their disability, improve their functional ability, and build self-esteem. Increasing numbers of programs are adapted for children with physical limitations. Almost all activities can be adapted. The child should participate to her level of energy. Self-esteem increases as a result of the positive feedback the child receives from participation.
7. Parents bring their 15-month-old infant to the emergency department at 3:00 AM because the toddler has a temperature of 39 C (102.2 F), is crying inconsolably, and is tugging at the ears. A diagnosis of otitis media (OM) is made. In addition to antibiotic therapy, the nurse practitioner should instruct the parents to use what medication? a. Decongestants to ease stuffy nose b. Antihistamines to help the child sleep c. Aspirin for pain and fever management d. Benzocaine ear drops for topical pain relief
ANS: D Analgesic ear drops can provide topical relief for the intense pain of OM. Decongestants and antihistamines are not recommended in the treatment of OM. Aspirin is contraindicated in young children because of the association with Reye syndrome
1. What is the most common cause of cerebral palsy (CP)? a. Central nervous system (CNS) diseases b. Birth asphyxia c. Cerebral trauma d. Neonatal encephalopathy
ANS: D Approximately 80% of CP is caused by unknown prenatal causes. Neonatal encephalopathy in term and preterm infants is believed to play a significant role in the development of CP. CNS diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis can result in CP. Birth asphyxia does contribute to some cases of CP. Cerebral trauma, including shaken baby syndrome, can result in CP.
3. Which characteristic best describes the fine motor skills of an infant at age 5 months? a. Neat pincer grasp b. Strong grasp reflex c. Builds a tower of two cubes d. Able to grasp object voluntarily
ANS: D At age 5 months, the infant should be able to voluntarily grasp an object. The grasp reflex is present in the first 2 to 3 months of life. Gradually, the reflex becomes voluntary. The neat pincer grasp is not achieved until age 11 months. At age 12 months, an infant will attempt to build a tower of two cubes but will most likely be unsuccessful.
MSC: Client Needs: Physiological Integrity 2. A chest radiography examination is ordered for a child with suspected cardiac problems. The childs parent asks the nurse, What will the x-ray show about the heart? The nurses response should be based on knowledge that the radiograph provides which information? a. Shows bones of the chest but not the heart b. Evaluates the vascular anatomy outside of the heart c. Shows a graphic measure of electrical activity of the heart d. Supplies information on heart size and pulmonary blood flow patterns
ANS: D Chest radiographs provide information on the size of the heart and pulmonary blood flow patterns. The bones of the chest are visible on chest radiographs, but the heart and blood vessels are also seen. Magnetic resonance imaging is a noninvasive technique that allows for evaluation of vascular anatomy outside of the heart. A graphic measure of electrical activity of the heart is provided by electrocardiography
5. According to Piaget, adolescents tend to be in what stage of cognitive development? a. Concrete operations b. Conventional thought c. Postconventional thought d. Formal operational thought
ANS: D Cognitive thinking culminates in the capacity for abstract thinking. This stage, the period of formal operations, is Piagets fourth and last stage. Concrete operations usually occur between ages 7 and 11 years. Conventional and postconventional thought refers to Kohlbergs stages of moral development.
17. A child is admitted for minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). The nurse recognizes that the childs prognosis is related to what factor? a. Admission blood pressure b. Creatinine clearance c. Amount of protein in urine d. Response to steroid therapy
ANS: D Corticosteroids are the drugs of choice for MCNS. If the child has not responded to therapy within 28 days of daily steroid administration, the likelihood of subsequent response decreases. Blood pressure is normal or low in MCNS. It is not correlated with prognosis. Creatinine clearance is not correlated with prognosis. The presence of significant proteinuria is used for diagnosis. It is not predictive of prognosis
12. The parents of a young child with heart failure (HF) tell the nurse that they are nervous about giving digoxin. The nurses response should be based on which knowledge? a. It is a safe, frequently used drug. b. Parents lack the expertise necessary to administer digoxin. c. It is difficult to either overmedicate or undermedicate with digoxin. d. Parents need to learn specific, important guidelines for administration of digoxin.
ANS: D Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range. The margin of safety between therapeutic, toxic, and lethal doses is very small. Specific guidelines are available for parents to learn how to administer the drug safely and to monitor for side effects. Parents may lack the expertise to administer the drug at first, but with discharge preparation, they should be prepared to administer the drug safely
4. It is important that a child with acute streptococcal pharyngitis be treated with antibiotics to prevent which condition? a. Otitis media b. Diabetes insipidus (DI) c. Nephrotic syndrome d. Acute rheumatic fever
ANS: D Group A hemolytic streptococcal infection is a brief illness with varying symptoms. It is essential that pharyngitis caused by this organism be treated with appropriate antibiotics to avoid the sequelae of acute rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis. The cause of otitis media is either viral or other bacterial organisms. DI is a disorder of the posterior pituitary. Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, not streptococcal pharyngitis, can cause DI. Glomerulonephritis, not nephrotic syndrome, can result from acute streptococcal pharyngitis.
20. The mother of a 1-month-old infant tells the nurse she worries that her baby will get meningitis like the childs younger brother had when he was an infant. The nurse should base a response on which information? a. Meningitis rarely occurs during infancy. b. Often a genetic predisposition to meningitis is found. c. Vaccination to prevent all types of meningitis is now available. d. Vaccinations to prevent pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type B meningitis are available.
ANS: D H. influenzae type B meningitis has been virtually eradicated in areas of the world where the vaccine is administered routinely. Bacterial meningitis remains a serious illness in children. It is significant because of the residual damage caused by undiagnosed and untreated or inadequately treated cases. The leading causes of neonatal meningitis are the group B streptococci and Escherichia coli organisms. Meningitis is an extension of a variety of bacterial infections. No genetic predisposition exists. Vaccinations are not available for all of the potential causative organisms.
19. The physician suggests that surgery be performed for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) to prevent which complication? a. Hypoxemia b. Right-to-left shunt of blood c. Decreased workload on the left side of the heart d. Pulmonary vascular congestion
ANS: D In PDA, blood flows from the higher pressure aorta into the lower pressure pulmonary vein, resulting in increased pulmonary blood flow. This creates pulmonary vascular congestion. Hypoxemia usually results from defects with mixed blood flow and decreased pulmonary blood flow. The shunt is from left to right in a PDA. The closure would stop this. There is increased workload on the left side of the heart with a PDA.
13. What nutritional component should be altered in the infant with heart failure (HF)? a. Decrease in fats b. Increase in fluids c. Decrease in protein d. Increase in calories
ANS: D Infants with HF have a greater metabolic rate because of poor cardiac function and increased heart and respiratory rates. Their caloric needs are greater than those of average infants, yet their ability to take in calories is diminished by their fatigue. The diet should include increased protein and increased fat to facilitate the childs intake of sufficient calories. Fluids must be carefully monitored because of the HF.
20. A child with pyloric stenosis is having excessive vomiting. The nurse should assess for what potential complication? a. Hyperkalemia b. Hyperchloremia c. Metabolic acidosis d. Metabolic alkalosis
ANS: D Infants with excessive vomiting are prone to metabolic alkalosis from the loss of hydrogen ions. Potassium and chloride ions are lost with vomiting. Metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, is likely.
3. A young boy is found squirting lighter fluid into his mouth. His father calls the emergency department. The nurse taking the call should know that the primary danger is what? a. Hepatic dysfunction b. Dehydration secondary to vomiting c. Esophageal stricture and shock d. Bronchitis and chemical pneumonia x
ANS: D Lighter fluid is a hydrocarbon. The immediate danger is aspiration. Acetaminophen overdose, not hydrocarbons, causes hepatic dysfunction. Dehydration is not the primary danger. Esophageal stricture is a late or chronic consequence of hydrocarbon ingestion
15. A 12-year-old boy is in the final phase of dying from leukemia. He tells the nurse who is giving him opiates for pain that his grandfather is waiting for him. How should the nurse interpret this situation? a. The boy is experiencing side effects of the opiates. b. The boy is making an attempt to comfort his parents. c. He is experiencing hallucinations resulting from brain anoxia. d. He is demonstrating readiness and acceptance that death is near.
ANS: D Near the time of death, many children experience visions of angels or people and talk with them. The children mention that they are not afraid and that someone is waiting for them. If the child has built a tolerance to the opioids, side effects are not likely. At this time, many children do begin to comfort their families and tell them that they are not afraid and are ready to die, but the visions usually precede this stage. There is no evidence of tissue hypoxia.
13. What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis? a. Rebound tenderness b. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding c. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating d. Colicky, cramping, abdominal pain around the umbilicus
ANS: D Pain is the cardinal feature. It is initially generalized, usually periumbilical. The pain becomes constant and may shift to the right lower quadrant. Rebound tenderness is not a reliable sign and is extremely painful to the child. Bright or dark red rectal bleeding and abdominal pain that is relieved by eating are not signs of acute appendicitis
7. The nurse is caring for a child with severe head trauma after a car accident. What is an ominous sign that often precedes death? a. Delirium b. Papilledema c. Flexion posturing d. Periodic or irregular breathing
ANS: D Periodic or irregular breathing is an ominous sign of brainstem (especially medullary) dysfunction that often precedes complete apnea. Delirium is a state of mental confusion and excitement marked by disorientation for time and place. Papilledema is edema and inflammation of the optic nerve. It is commonly a sign of increased intracranial pressure. Flexion posturing is seen with severe dysfunction of the cerebral cortex or of the corticospinal tracts above the brainstem.
6. What is a major goal of therapy for children with cerebral palsy (CP)? a. Cure the underlying defect causing the disorder. b. Reverse the degenerative processes that have occurred. c. Prevent the spread to individuals in close contact with the child. d. Recognize the disorder early and promote optimum development.
ANS: D The goals of therapy include early recognition and promotion of an optimum developmental course to enable affected children to attain their potential within the limits of their dysfunction. The disorder is permanent, and therapy is chiefly symptomatic and preventive. It is not possible at this time to reverse the degenerative processes. CP is not contagious.
6. The nurse is closely monitoring a child who is unconscious after a fall and notices that the child suddenly has a fixed and dilated pupil. How should the nurse interpret this? a. Eye trauma b. Brain death c. Severe brainstem damage d. Neurosurgical emergency
ANS: D The sudden appearance of a fixed and dilated pupil(s) is a neurosurgical emergency. The nurse should immediately report this finding. Although a dilated pupil may be associated with eye trauma, this child has experienced a neurologic insult. One fixed and dilated pupil is not suggestive of brain death. Pinpoint pupils or fixed, bilateral pupils for more than 5 minutes are indicative of brainstem damage. The unilateral fixed and dilated pupil is suggestive of damage on the same side of the brain
11. A 4-year-old girl is brought to the emergency department. She has a froglike croaking sound on inspiration, is agitated, and is drooling. She insists on sitting upright. The nurse should intervene in which manner? a. Make her lie down and rest quietly. b. Examine her oral pharynx and report to the physician. c. Auscultate her lungs and prepare for placement in a mist tent. d. Notify the physician immediately and be prepared to assist with a tracheostomy or intubation.
ANS: D This child is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress and possible epiglottitis. Epiglottitis is always a medical emergency requiring antibiotics and airway support for treatment. Sitting up is the position that facilitates breathing in respiratory disease. The oral pharynx should not be visualized. If the epiglottis is inflamed, there is the potential for complete obstruction if it is irritated further. Although lung auscultation provides useful assessment information, a mist tent would not be beneficial for this child. Immediate medical evaluation and intervention are indicated.
1. What factor is most important in predisposing toddlers to frequent infections? a. Respirations are abdominal. b. Pulse and respiratory rates in toddlers are slower than those in infants. c. Defense mechanisms are less efficient than those during infancy. d. Toddlers have short, straight internal ear canals and large lymph tissue.
ANS: D Toddlers continue to have the short, straight internal ear canals of infants. The lymphoid tissue of the tonsils and adenoids continues to be relatively large. These two anatomic conditions combine to predispose toddlers to frequent infections. The abdominal respirations and lowered pulse and respiratory rate of toddlers do not affect their susceptibility to infection. The defense mechanisms are more efficient compared with those of infancy
13. What laboratory finding, in conjunction with the presenting symptoms, indicates minimal change nephrotic syndrome? a. Low specific gravity b. Decreased hemoglobin c. Normal platelet count d. Reduced serum albumin
ANS: D Total serum protein concentrations are reduced, with the albumin fractions significantly reduced. Specific gravity is high and proportionate to the amount of protein in the urine. Hemoglobin and hematocrit are usually normal or elevated. The platelet count is elevated as a result of hemoconcentration.
9. Total-body irradiation is indicated for what reason? a. Palliative care b. Lymphoma therapy c. Definitive therapy for leukemia d. Preparation for bone marrow transplant
ANS: D Total-body irradiation is used as part of the destruction of the childs immune system necessary for a bone marrow transplant. The child is at great risk for complications because there is no supportive therapy until engraftment of the donor marrow takes place. Irradiation for palliative care is done selectively. The area that is causing pain or potential obstruction is irradiated. Lymphoma and leukemia are treated through a combination of modalities. Total-body irradiation is not indicated
11. What is a nursing intervention to reduce the risk of increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) in an unconscious child? a. Suction the child frequently. b. Turn the childs head side to side every hour. c. Provide environmental stimulation. d. Avoid activities that cause pain or crying.
ANS: D Unrelieved pain, crying, and emotional stress all contribute to increasing the ICP. Disturbing procedures should be carried out at the same time as therapies that reduce ICP, such as sedation. Suctioning is poorly tolerated by children. When necessary, it is preceded by hyperventilation with 100% oxygen. Turning the head side to side is contraindicated for fear of compressing the jugular vein. This would block the flow of blood from the brain, raising ICP. Nontherapeutic touch and environmental stimulation increase ICP. Minimizing both touch and environmental stimuli noise reduces ICP