Nursing Elites

1. What is the MOST common cause of shock in infants and children?

• A. Severe allergic reaction
• B. Dehydration
• C. Accidental poisoning
• D. Cardiac failure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dehydration is the most common cause of shock in infants and children. In children, the body's fluid reserves are smaller compared to adults, making them more susceptible to dehydration, which can lead to shock if not promptly addressed. Severe allergic reactions, accidental poisoning, and cardiac failure can also cause shock, but dehydration is the most frequent cause in this age group.

2. A 4-year-old boy ingested an unknown quantity of drain cleaner. He is alert, has a patent airway, and has adequate breathing. You should:

• A. administer 1 g/kg of activated charcoal.
• B. give 15 mL of ipecac and contact medical control.
• C. contact poison control and give him oxygen.
• D. give oxygen and perform a head-to-toe exam.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a child ingests a harmful substance like drain cleaner and remains alert with a patent airway and adequate breathing, the initial steps involve contacting poison control to guide further management. In this scenario, providing oxygen to support respiratory function is essential until definitive care is established. Activated charcoal and ipecac are not recommended in the management of ingested caustic substances like drain cleaner. Performing a head-to-toe exam can wait until the child's immediate respiratory needs are addressed and the poison control center has provided guidance on further management.

3. When discussing heart conditions, a healthcare provider explains a condition in which the lungs retain extra fluid due to left ventricular impairment. What is this condition?

• A. Whooping cough
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Asthma
• D. Pulmonary edema

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pulmonary edema is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the retention of extra fluid in the lungs, often due to left ventricular impairment. This fluid buildup can lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Whooping cough (Choice A), pneumonia (Choice B), and asthma (Choice C) are not conditions related to the retention of fluid in the lungs due to left ventricular impairment. Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory infection, pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, and asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and constriction.

4. A child with type 1 diabetes mellitus is brought to the emergency department by the mother, who states that the child has been complaining of abdominal pain and has been lethargic. Diabetic ketoacidosis is diagnosed. Anticipating the plan of care, the nurse prepares to administer which type of intravenous (IV) infusion?

• A. 5% dextrose infusion
• B. Normal saline infusion
• C. NPH insulin infusion
• D. Potassium infusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial intravenous (IV) fluid of choice is normal saline infusion. Normal saline helps to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA patients. It does not contain glucose to prevent worsening hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis. NPH insulin infusion is not the initial treatment for DKA; it is typically used after fluid resuscitation. Potassium infusion may be required in DKA to address electrolyte imbalances, but normal saline is the priority for fluid resuscitation.

5. During the pediatric assessment process, which scenario would be the LEAST appropriate for the transition phase?

• A. A parent is available to help keep the child calm.
• B. The child is unstable and needs rapid transport.
• C. You determine that the child's condition is stable.
• D. Your transport time is greater than 30 minutes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a pediatric assessment, the transition phase is a critical period where care is handed over from prehospital providers to the hospital team. If the child is unstable and requires rapid transport, it is not appropriate to delay for a transition phase. In such cases, immediate transport to a higher level of care is paramount to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Choice A is appropriate as having a parent present can help keep the child calm during the transition. Choice C is also appropriate as transitioning a stable child allows for a smoother handover. Choice D, while indicating a longer transport time, does not necessarily affect the need for a transition phase as long as the child's condition remains stable.

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