ATI RN · Obstetrics and Pediatrics · Pediatric Nclex Practice Questions
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Showing all 5 practice questions with expert explanatory rationales.
During an assessment, an infant is suspected to have intussusception. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Expert Explanatory Rationale
Correct Answer: Currant jelly stools
Option A: Currant jelly stools are a classic finding in intussusception, indicating the presence of blood and mucus in the stool due to the obstruction. This symptom is a result of the bowel's telescoping, leading to ischemia and subsequent necrosis, which produces the characteristic red, jelly-like stools.
Option B: Projectile vomiting can occur in various gastrointestinal conditions but is not specifically indicative of intussusception. It is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis.
Option C: A scaphoid abdomen, which appears sunken or concave, is not a typical finding in intussusception. Instead, a distended abdomen is more commonly observed due to the obstruction and accumulation of intestinal contents.
Option D: Frequent stools are not characteristic of intussusception. Patients typically present with intermittent abdominal pain and may have a reduction in stool frequency due to the obstruction.
Takeaways: Currant jelly stools are a hallmark sign of intussusception, reflecting the underlying pathophysiology of bowel obstruction and ischemia, which requires prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications.
A parent of a school-age child is receiving discharge teaching following a cardiac catheterization. Which of the following instructions should be included by the nurse?
Expert Explanatory Rationale
Correct Answer: Keep the child on bed rest for 12 hours.
Option B: Keep the child on bed rest for 12 hours. This instruction is crucial following cardiac catheterization to minimize the risk of bleeding and ensure proper healing at the catheter insertion site. Bed rest helps maintain hemostasis and allows for monitoring of any potential complications that may arise post-procedure.
Option A: Allow the child to bathe 6 hours after the procedure. Bathing too soon can increase the risk of infection at the catheter site and should be avoided until the healthcare provider gives specific clearance.
Option C: Maintain a pressure dressing on the site for 8 hours. While a pressure dressing is essential, it typically needs to be maintained longer than 8 hours to ensure adequate hemostasis and prevent bleeding.
Option D: Resume regular activities the day after the procedure. Resuming regular activities too soon can lead to complications such as bleeding or dislodging of the catheter site, which is why a period of rest is necessary.
Takeaways: Following cardiac catheterization, maintaining bed rest for a specified duration is essential to ensure safety and prevent complications, including bleeding. Proper post-procedure care requires monitoring for complications and patient education to ensure a safe recovery.
The nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after administering furosemide (Lasix)?
Expert Explanatory Rationale
Correct Answer: Decrease BP
Option C: Decrease BP is a critical clinical manifestation to monitor after administering furosemide (Lasix), a potent diuretic that can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte shifts, potentially causing hypotension. Monitoring blood pressure is essential to ensure patient safety and to assess the effectiveness of the medication in managing fluid overload conditions.
Option A: Decrease pulse does not directly correlate with furosemide administration. While changes in blood pressure may affect heart rate, a decrease in pulse is not a primary concern following diuretic use.
Option B: Decrease temperature is not a relevant manifestation to monitor after furosemide administration. Temperature changes are not typically associated with the pharmacological effects of diuretics.
Option D: Decrease respiratory rate is not a direct effect of furosemide. While fluid overload can impact respiratory function, the administration of furosemide itself does not primarily influence respiratory rate.
Takeaways: Monitoring for a decrease in BP is crucial after administering furosemide, as it can lead to hypotension due to fluid shifts; therefore, nurses must prioritize patient safety and fluid balance in their assessments.
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rare in children, accounting for
Expert Explanatory Rationale
Correct Answer: it can be associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease
Option D: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) can be associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease, a genetic condition that predisposes individuals to various tumors, including RCC. This association highlights the importance of genetic screening and monitoring in affected families, as early detection can significantly impact management and outcomes.
Option A: Patients may present with symptoms such as hematuria, flank pain, and a palpable mass; however, this does not specifically address the association with von Hippel-Lindau disease, which is the key focus of the question.
Option B: While RCC can be asymptomatic and detected incidentally, this statement does not relate to the specific genetic association with von Hippel-Lindau disease, making it less relevant to the question.
Option C: RCC's propensity to metastasize to the lungs, bone, liver, and brain is a general characteristic of the disease but does not pertain to the specific association with von Hippel-Lindau disease, which is the critical aspect being tested.
Takeaways: Understanding the association between renal cell carcinoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease is crucial for identifying at-risk patients and implementing appropriate surveillance strategies.
The healthcare provider is preparing medication instructions for a child who has undergone a kidney transplant and is prescribed cyclosporine. The parents ask the provider about the reason for the cyclosporine. Which rationale for this medication should the healthcare provider include in the response?
Expert Explanatory Rationale
Correct Answer: Suppress rejection
Option A: Suppress rejection is the primary function of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant medication prescribed to prevent the body's immune system from attacking the transplanted kidney. This is crucial for the success of the transplant, as rejection can lead to graft failure and serious complications.
Option B: Decrease pain does not align with the purpose of cyclosporine, which is not an analgesic and does not provide pain relief for the patient.
Option C: Improve circulation is not a function of cyclosporine; this medication does not directly affect blood flow or vascular health in the context of kidney transplantation.
Option D: Boost immunity contradicts the role of cyclosporine, as it actually suppresses the immune response to prevent rejection, rather than enhancing it.
Takeaways: Understanding that cyclosporine is used to suppress rejection following a kidney transplant is essential for effective patient education and management, as it plays a critical role in the success of the procedure and requires ongoing monitoring for potential side effects to ensure patient safety.
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