what is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school aged children
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Nursing Care of Children 2019 B

1. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

2. The nurse is having difficulty communicating with a hospitalized 6-year-old child. Which technique should be most helpful?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Drawing allows the child to express feelings and thoughts non-verbally, which can be particularly effective for children who have difficulty articulating their emotions.

3. What is most important in the management of cellulitis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oral or parenteral antibiotics are essential in treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. Topical antibiotics are not sufficient, and incision and drainage are only for abscesses.

4. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

5. What is the best initial intervention for a child experiencing moderate dehydration?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encourage oral rehydration. Oral rehydration is the first-line treatment for moderate dehydration in children. It helps restore fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) is usually reserved for severe cases of dehydration where oral rehydration is not feasible or ineffective. Monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important but should not replace the immediate need for rehydration. Providing clear fluids (Choice D) may not contain the necessary electrolytes required for effective rehydration.

Similar Questions

Which is considered a block to effective communication?
What amount of fluid loss occurs with moderate dehydration?
The clinic nurse is instructing parents about caring for a toddler with ascariasis (common roundworm). Which statement made by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?
A child has a nasogastric (NG) tube after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. What is the purpose of the NG tube?
What organism is a parasite that causes acute diarrhea?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses