BCEN Pediatric Emergencies 2

Question 1

A 3-year-old presents with inspiratory stridor, a barking cough, and low-grade fever. Which intervention is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Nebulized racemic epinephrine

Answer

Nebulized racemic epinephrine reduces subglottic edema in croup (laryngotracheobronchitis) and is the priority treatment.

Question 2

When assessing a pediatric burn patient, which formula is used to estimate fluid resuscitation in the first 24 hours?

Accepted Answer

Parkland formula

Answer

The Parkland formula (4 mL/kg/% TBSA burned) guides fluid resuscitation in pediatric burn patients.

Question 3

A 7-year-old with known sickle cell disease presents with fever of 38.8°C and no focal infection. What is the most critical next step?

Accepted Answer

Blood cultures and empiric IV antibiotics

Answer

Febrile children with sickle cell disease are at risk for overwhelming sepsis and require blood cultures and empiric IV antibiotics urgently.

Question 4

A 10-month-old is brought in unresponsive after a witnessed choking episode. No cry or cough is present. What is the correct intervention sequence?

Accepted Answer

5 back blows then 5 chest thrusts

Answer

For infants under 1 year with complete airway obstruction, alternating 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts is the recommended technique.

Question 5

Which finding in a pediatric patient is most indicative of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

Accepted Answer

Cushing's triad (bradycardia, hypertension, irregular respirations)

Answer

Cushing's triad is a late sign of critically elevated ICP and indicates impending herniation.

(BCEN) Board of Certification of Emergency Nursing Practice Test