LPN Pediatrics

LPN LPN

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 3-year-old child has a sudden onset of respiratory distress. The mother denies any recent illnesses or fever. You should suspect:

A. croup.
B. foreign body airway obstruction.
C. lower respiratory infection.
D. epiglottitis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a 3-year-old child with a sudden onset of respiratory distress and no recent illnesses or fever, the likely cause is a foreign body airway obstruction. Foreign body obstruction can lead to sudden respiratory distress without other preceding symptoms. It is crucial to consider this possibility and act promptly to clear the airway in such cases to prevent serious complications.

3. Which of the following is the MOST detrimental effect of gastric distention in infants and children?

A. Tracheal rupture.
B. Less effective chest compressions.
C. Decreased ventilatory volume.
D. Acute rupture of the diaphragm.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Gastric distention in infants and children can lead to a decrease in ventilatory volume. This occurs because the distended stomach can limit the movement of the diaphragm, reducing its ability to contract and expand the chest cavity effectively. As a result, the amount of air entering and leaving the lungs is decreased, impacting ventilation. Tracheal rupture, acute rupture of the diaphragm, and less effective chest compressions are not typically associated with gastric distention.

4. When assessing a 6-year-old boy with pain in the right lower quadrant of his abdomen, which action should be performed first?

A. Avoiding palpation of the abdomen.
B. Palpating the right lower quadrant first.
C. Auscultating bowel sounds for 2 minutes.
D. Palpating the left upper quadrant first.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Palpating the left upper quadrant first is the correct approach when assessing abdominal pain in a child. This method helps to minimize causing additional discomfort to the child and allows for a more accurate assessment of their reaction to palpation. By starting on the left upper quadrant, you can gauge the child's pain response before moving to the area of complaint, which may be more sensitive. This approach is essential for a thorough and less distressing abdominal assessment in pediatric patients.

5. What is the appropriate technique for performing two-rescuer CPR on a 4-year-old child?

A. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations, compressing the sternum with your thumbs, and delivering at least 100 compressions per minute.
B. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations, compressing the chest one third the depth of the chest, and delivering each breath over 1 second.
C. 15 compressions to 2 ventilations, compressing the sternum with the heel of your hand, and ventilating until visible chest rise occurs.
D. 30 compressions to 2 ventilations, compressing the sternum with the heel of both hands, and delivering each breath over 1 to 2 seconds.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When performing two-rescuer CPR on a 4-year-old child, the appropriate technique involves 15 compressions to 2 ventilations. Compressions should be done by pressing the child's sternum with the heel of your hand. Ventilations should be given until visible chest rise occurs. This technique ensures effective CPR delivery for a child in need of resuscitation.