Free Pediatric CCRN from AACN Questions and Answers

Question 1

A newborn with transposed great arteries is hospitalized. 46% is the SpO2 value. Nobody makes a murmur. Which drugs should the nurse anticipate being given as a stopgap measure until a balloon septostomy can be performed?

Accepted Answer

Alprostadil (PGE1)

Answer

For a newborn with transposed great arteries and severe hypoxemia (SpO2 46%), Alprostadil (PGE1) is the critical medication. PGE1 keeps the ductus arteriosus open, facilitating the mixing of systemic and pulmonary blood flow. This temporary shunt is vital for maintaining adequate systemic oxygenation until a more permanent solution, such as a balloon septostomy or surgical repair, can be carried out.

Question 2

Esophageal varices that are bleeding may be treated acutely by:

Accepted Answer

Administration of octreotide (Sandostatin)

Answer

Acute bleeding from esophageal varices is often treated with octreotide (Sandostatin). Octreotide is a somatostatin analog that causes splanchnic vasoconstriction, reducing blood flow to the portal system and thereby lowering portal pressure. This reduction in pressure helps to decrease bleeding from the varices, making it a key pharmacological intervention in managing this life-threatening condition.

Question 3

Extreme dyspnea is being experienced by a 2-year-old with left-sided ventricular heart failure and pulmonary edema. Which of the following would the nurse advise doing to help the youngster breathe easier and feel less anxious and agitated?

Accepted Answer

Morphine (Duramorph)

Answer

For a 2-year-old experiencing extreme dyspnea, anxiety, and agitation due to left-sided ventricular heart failure and pulmonary edema, morphine is an appropriate intervention. Morphine reduces anxiety and agitation, decreases venous return (preload) by causing venodilation, and can help to alleviate dyspnea by reducing the work of breathing and altering the perception of shortness of breath.

Question 4

Clinical indicators seen in a kid who has been given the diagnosis of failure to thrive include

Accepted Answer

Avoidance of eye contact and delayed motor development

Answer

Clinical indicators of failure to thrive (FTT) often include developmental delays, such as delayed motor development, and behavioral signs like avoidance of eye contact. These symptoms reflect the impact of chronic malnutrition and neglect on a child's physical and neurological development, as well as their ability to engage in social interaction and explore their environment.

Question 5

While patients are sleeping, a nursing unit must be able to put patients back on ventilator support as directed. The respiratory therapist is only sometimes present on the unit to put patients on the ventilator because of staffing patterns. The nurse should respond in the following ways:

Accepted Answer

Question the current policy that only respiratory therapists can manage the ventilator.

Answer

In a situation where patients need ventilator support but respiratory therapists are not consistently available, the nurse should question the policy restricting ventilator management to only respiratory therapists. This policy creates a safety risk for patients. Advocating for policy changes, such as training nurses for basic ventilator management, ensures timely and safe patient care, aligning with the nurse's role in patient advocacy and quality improvement.

Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Test

Pediatric CCRN Exam Practice Test

Free Pediatric CCRN from AACN Questions and Answers