ATI RN
Nursing Care of Children Final ATI
1. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?
- A. High serum pH
- B. Normal serum pH
- C. Metabolic alkalosis
- D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.
2. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?
- A. Weight
- B. Height
- C. Head circumference
- D. Mid-upper arm circumference
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.
3. A child with acute glomerulonephritis is in the playroom and experiences blurred vision and a headache. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Check the urine to see if hematuria has increased.
- B. Obtain the child's blood pressure and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Obtain serum electrolytes and send urinalysis to the laboratory.
- D. Reassure the child and encourage bed rest until the headache improves.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Blurred vision and headache in a child with acute glomerulonephritis may indicate severe hypertension, which requires immediate assessment and intervention. Blood pressure should be checked, and the healthcare provider notified.
4. The parents of a 12-month-old child ask the nurse if the child can eat hot dogs as do their other children. The nurse’s reply should be based on what?
- A. The child is too young to digest hot dogs.
- B. The child is too young to eat hot dogs safely.
- C. Hot dogs must be sliced into sections to prevent aspiration.
- D. Hot dogs must be cut into small, irregular pieces to prevent aspiration.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Cutting hot dogs into small, irregular pieces reduces the risk of aspiration, which is a significant choking hazard for young children.
5. The nurse is talking to a group of parents of school-age children at an after-school program about childhood health problems. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Childhood obesity is the most common nutritional problem among children
- B. Immunization rates are the same among children of different races and ethnicity
- C. Dental caries is not a problem commonly seen in children since the introduction of fluoridated water
- D. Mental health problems are typically not seen in school-age children but may be diagnosed in adolescents
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Childhood obesity is the most common nutritional problem in children, with significant implications for long-term health, including the risk of developing chronic diseases.