ATI RN
ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B
1. Which electrolyte imbalance is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea?
- A. Hypernatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypomagnesemia
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia is the correct answer because it is a common concern in children with severe diarrhea. Diarrhea can lead to significant potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less common in diarrhea as sodium concentration is usually diluted by the fluid loss. Hypercalcemia (Choice C) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) can occur but is not as common as hypokalemia in this scenario.
2. What is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years?
- A. Salmonella
- B. Rotavirus
- C. Norovirus
- D. Shigella
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Rotavirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in children under 5 years. It leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. Vaccination against rotavirus has significantly reduced the incidence of this disease, but it remains a major cause of morbidity in young children globally. Salmonella and Shigella can cause gastroenteritis, but they are less common in children under 5 years. Norovirus is also a common cause of gastroenteritis, but Rotavirus is the most prevalent in this age group.
3. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?
- A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
- B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
- C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
- D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.
4. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?
- A. Pyloric stenosis
- B. Intussusception
- C. Hirschsprung disease
- D. Celiac disease
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.
5. A 6-month-old infant with Hirschsprung disease is scheduled for a temporary colostomy. What should postoperative teaching to the parents include?
- A. Dilating the stoma
- B. Assessing bowel function
- C. Limitation of physical activities
- D. Measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative teaching should focus on assessing bowel function to ensure the colostomy is functioning properly. This includes monitoring stool output, color, consistency, and signs of infection or blockage. Choice A, dilating the stoma, is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance, as it can lead to complications. Choice C, limitation of physical activities, may not be as crucial immediately after colostomy creation. Choice D, measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum, is more relevant for conditions like rectal prolapse and not specifically for a colostomy.
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