Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, his blood pressure is 70/40 mm Hg, and his pulse rate is 140 beats/min and weak. The child's blood pressure:

• A. indicates decompensated shock.
• B. reflects adequate compensation.
• C. suggests increased intracranial pressure.
• D. is appropriate based on his age.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a 5-year-old boy with major trauma, a blood pressure of 70/40 mm Hg and a pulse rate of 140 beats/min, and weak, indicate decompensated shock. This presentation signifies inadequate perfusion, leading to compensatory mechanisms being overwhelmed, resulting in decompensated shock. Choice B is incorrect as the vital signs suggest the body is unable to adequately compensate for the trauma. Choice C is incorrect as the vital signs are more indicative of shock rather than increased intracranial pressure. Choice D is incorrect as such low blood pressure is not appropriate for a child of this age and indicates a critical condition.

2. One of the signs of CHF is shortness of breath. What is the term for shortness of breath when lying down?

• A. Platypnea
• B. Orthopnea
• C. Apnea
• D. Epistaxis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Orthopnea is the specific term used to describe shortness of breath when lying down. This condition is commonly seen in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) due to the redistribution of fluid in the body when changing positions. Platypnea refers to shortness of breath that worsens when sitting or standing, apnea is the cessation of breathing, and epistaxis is the medical term for a nosebleed. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Orthopnea).

3. 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.

4. You are called to a local park for a 7-year-old boy with respiratory distress. During your assessment, you find that the patient is wheezing and has widespread hives and facial edema. What should you suspect has occurred?

• A. Poison oak exposure
• B. Allergic reaction
• C. Heat illness
• D. Acute asthma attack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of wheezing, widespread hives, and facial edema is consistent with an allergic reaction. These symptoms indicate a systemic response to an allergen, triggering respiratory distress and skin manifestations.

5. Which of the following signs or symptoms is more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury?

• A. Changes in pupillary reaction
• B. Tachycardia and diaphoresis
• C. Nausea and vomiting
• D. Altered mental status

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nausea and vomiting are more common in children than adults following an isolated head injury. Children often present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting after a head injury due to differences in physiological responses compared to adults.

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