Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

2. What is the purpose of the pediatric assessment triangle?

• A. Detect immediate life threats through a quick hands-on assessment.
• B. Identify if the child has a medical condition or a traumatic injury.
• C. Determine if the child's problem is respiratory or circulatory in nature.
• D. Form a general impression of the child without touching them.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The pediatric assessment triangle is used to form a rapid, hands-off general impression of the child's condition without directly touching them. This visual assessment helps in identifying children who require immediate attention and further evaluation.

3. An infant with congestive heart failure is receiving diuretic therapy. A nurse is closely monitoring the intake and output. The nurse uses which most appropriate method to assess the urine output?

• A. Weighing the diapers
• B. Inserting a Foley catheter
• C. Comparing intake with output
• D. Measuring the amount of water added to formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weighing the diapers is the most appropriate method to assess urine output in infants. Diapers will absorb and retain urine, providing a measurable indicator of urine output without invasive procedures. This method is non-invasive, simple, and convenient for monitoring urine output, especially in infants who may not be able to use other urine output measurement techniques. Inserting a Foley catheter is invasive and not indicated for routine urine output monitoring in infants. Comparing intake with output does not directly measure urine output. Measuring the amount of water added to formula does not provide an accurate assessment of urine output.

4. You and your partner are performing CPR on a 2-year-old female in cardiac arrest. During your resuscitation attempt, you should:

• A. hyperventilate her due to severe hypoxia.
• B. attach the AED pads after 5 minutes of high-quality CPR.
• C. perform compressions and ventilations at a ratio of 30:2.
• D. allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions is crucial during CPR to ensure proper blood flow. This action allows the heart to refill with blood, enhancing the effectiveness of compressions and circulation. Hyperventilating the patient can lead to decreased cardiac output and is not recommended. Attaching AED pads should be done as soon as possible in a pediatric cardiac arrest situation, ideally within 2 minutes. The correct compression-to-ventilation ratio for pediatric CPR is 30:2, focusing on high-quality compressions to provide adequate perfusion to vital organs.

5. When ventilating an apneic 3-year-old child with a bag-valve mask device, what is the MOST important action to take?

• A. Avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise.
• B. Squeeze the bag with both hands and use a pediatric mask.
• C. Immediately insert an oropharyngeal airway.
• D. Provide one breath every 3 to 5 seconds.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When ventilating an apneic child, the most important action is to avoid hyperventilation and ensure adequate chest rise. Hyperventilation can lead to decreased cardiac output and increased intracranial pressure. Adequate chest rise confirms effective ventilation and minimizes the risk of complications. Choice B is incorrect because using both hands to squeeze the bag may not ensure proper ventilation and can lead to complications. Choice C is incorrect as inserting an oropharyngeal airway is not the initial action in ventilating an apneic child with a bag-valve mask. Choice D is incorrect as providing ventilations every 3 to 5 seconds may not be appropriate for effective ventilation in a pediatric patient.

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