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Pediatric Assessment Flashcards

7 cards from real CPEN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Pediatric Assessment flashcards as text
  1. Which assessment finding would MOST suggest hypovolemic shock in a 3-year-old rather than cardiogenic shock?

    Answer: History of vomiting and diarrhea with flat neck veins

    A history of fluid loss with flat (not distended) neck veins points toward hypovolemic shock rather than the fluid-overloaded state seen in cardiogenic shock.

  2. When calculating the estimated weight of a child aged 1–10 years using the Broselow formula, which formula is commonly used?

    Answer: Weight (kg) = age × 2 + 8

    A commonly used formula for estimating weight in children 1–10 years is Weight (kg) = (age × 2) + 8.

  3. In a pediatric patient with suspected increased intracranial pressure, which pupillary finding indicates uncal herniation?

    Answer: Unilateral fixed and dilated pupil

    A unilateral fixed and dilated pupil (blown pupil) indicates compression of cranial nerve III from uncal herniation, a neurosurgical emergency.

  4. A 12-year-old with known asthma presents with absent breath sounds on auscultation and SpO2 of 84%. This finding MOST likely indicates:

    Answer: Silent chest indicating severe obstruction

    Absent breath sounds in asthma (silent chest) indicate severe airflow obstruction preventing audible air movement and is a sign of impending respiratory failure.

  5. When using the Pediatric Early Warning Score (PEWS), which three domains are typically assessed?

    Answer: Behavior, cardiovascular status, and respiratory status

    PEWS assesses Behavior, Cardiovascular status, and Respiratory status to identify early clinical deterioration in hospitalized children.

  6. A 6-year-old presents with drooling, tripod positioning, and refusal to swallow. The nurse should FIRST:

    Answer: Keep the child calm and prepare for definitive airway management

    Drooling, tripod positioning, and dysphagia suggest epiglottitis; agitating the child by examining the throat can precipitate complete airway obstruction.

  7. Which of the following vital sign parameters is MOST age-appropriate for a healthy 1-year-old?

    Answer: Heart rate 100–160 bpm, RR 25–35

    Normal vital signs for a 1-year-old include a heart rate of approximately 100–160 bpm and respiratory rate of 25–35 breaths per minute.