Pediatric Nursing Flashcards

A 3-year-old child is brought to the clinic. According to normal developmental milestones, which skill should the child have already mastered?

Answer: Riding a tricycle and speaking in 3-word sentences

By age 3, children typically ride a tricycle (gross motor) and speak in 3-word or longer sentences (language). Reading and tying shoes develop later. Drawing a person with 6 parts is a milestone for age 4–5 years.

What is the appropriate method for calculating medication dosage in pediatric patients?

Answer: Weight-based dosing (mg/kg), verified against maximum adult dose

Pediatric medications are dosed by weight (mg/kg) because children's body composition, renal and hepatic function differ significantly from adults. The calculated dose must not exceed the maximum adult dose. BSA is used for some chemotherapy drugs.

A child is brought in with a barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever. What condition is most likely?

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup (viral laryngotracheobronchitis) classically presents with the 'seal bark' cough, inspiratory stridor, and low-grade fever in children aged 6 months–3 years, typically caused by parainfluenza virus. Epiglottitis presents with high fever, drooling, and tripod posture.

What is the normal resting heart rate for a 2-year-old child?

Answer: 80–130 beats per minute

Normal heart rate ranges vary by age. Toddlers (1–3 years) have a resting HR of 80–130 bpm. This is higher than adult normal (60–100 bpm) due to higher metabolic demands and smaller stroke volume. Knowing age-specific normals prevents false alarms.

A child with a febrile seizure has stopped convulsing. What is the priority nursing action?

Answer: Position on side, maintain airway, administer oxygen, and assess neurological status

After the seizure ends, the priority is maintaining a patent airway by positioning the child on their side (recovery position) to prevent aspiration, assessing breathing, and applying oxygen. The child will typically be post-ictal and sleepy.

Which sign is used to assess dehydration severity in infants?

Answer: Anterior fontanelle depression (sunken fontanelle)

A sunken anterior fontanelle indicates moderate-to-severe dehydration in infants. The fontanelle is normally flat and slightly pulsatile; it bulges with increased ICP and sinks with fluid deficit. It is only accessible in infants before fontanelle closure (~18 months).