ATI RN
Nursing Care of Children ATI
1. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?
- A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
- B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
- C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
- D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.
2. What laboratory finding should the nurse expect in a child with an excess of water?
- A. Decreased hematocrit
- B. High serum osmolality
- C. High urine specific gravity
- D. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Water excess typically leads to hemodilution, resulting in a decreased hematocrit. High serum osmolality and specific gravity would indicate dehydration, while elevated BUN could suggest renal impairment or dehydration, not fluid overload.
3. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer to a child with an acute sickle cell pain crisis?
- A. Meperidine (Demerol)
- B. Morphine
- C. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- D. Ibuprofen (Motrin)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the management of acute sickle cell pain crisis in children, morphine is the preferred medication due to its effectiveness in providing pain relief. Meperidine (Demerol) is less commonly used in this scenario because of its potential for neurotoxicity with repeated doses. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Ibuprofen (Motrin) are not typically sufficient for managing the severe pain associated with sickle cell crises and are not the first-line treatment options.
4. During a funduscopic examination of a school-age child, the nurse notes a brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes. The nurse should recognize that this is which?
- A. A normal finding
- B. A sign of a possible visual defect and a need for vision screening
- C. An abnormal finding requiring referral to an ophthalmologist
- D. A sign of small hemorrhages, which usually resolve spontaneously
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes is a normal finding, indicating that the retina is healthy and there are no significant obstructions in the visual pathway.
5. The parent of a 1-month-old infant voices concern about the infant’s respirations. The parent states the respirations are rapid and irregular. Which information should the nurse provide?
- A. The normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
- B. The respirations of a 1-month-old infant are normally irregular and periodically pause.
- C. An infant at this age should have regular respirations.
- D. The irregularity of the infant's respirations is concerning; I will notify the health care provider.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Irregular respirations with periodic pauses are normal in a 1-month-old infant. Choice A is incorrect because the normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is higher than the range provided. Choice C is incorrect as irregular respirations are expected in infants. Choice D is not appropriate as irregular respirations with periodic pauses are a normal finding in young infants and do not necessarily indicate a concern that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider.