CPEN Sepsis and Infectious Disease Emergencies 4

Question 1

A 6-week-old infant presents with fever, bulging fontanelle, and high-pitched cry. Which pathogen is the MOST common cause of bacterial meningitis in this age group?

Accepted Answer

Group B Streptococcus

Answer

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in neonates and young infants under 3 months.

Question 2

A 4-year-old with septic shock remains hypotensive after 60 mL/kg of isotonic crystalloid. Which vasoactive agent is the FIRST-LINE choice for fluid-refractory septic shock in children?

Accepted Answer

Norepinephrine

Answer

Current PALS and Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines recommend norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor for fluid-refractory septic shock in children.

Question 3

Which finding is MOST consistent with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a pediatric patient?

Accepted Answer

Desquamation of palms and soles 1-2 weeks after illness onset

Answer

Desquamation of the palms and soles occurring 1–2 weeks after the acute illness is a hallmark feature of staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.

Question 4

A 10-year-old presents with fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and a petechial rash rapidly spreading to purpura. What is the priority intervention?

Accepted Answer

Obtain blood cultures, then administer IV ceftriaxone immediately

Answer

Blood cultures should be drawn and IV ceftriaxone given immediately in suspected meningococcemia; lumbar puncture should not delay antibiotic therapy.

Question 5

When calculating the PELOD-2 score in a pediatric patient with suspected sepsis, which parameter is included?

Accepted Answer

Glasgow Coma Scale score

Answer

The PELOD-2 (Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction-2) score includes Glasgow Coma Scale score as part of its neurological domain assessment.

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN - Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse Practice Test

CPEN Sepsis and Infectious Disease Emergencies 4