Pediatric Nursing Fundamentals Flashcards

A 2-year-old is brought to the clinic with a fever of 103.2°F (39.6°C). Which action should the LPN prioritize first?

Answer: Assess the child's hydration status and level of consciousness

Assessment of hydration status and LOC guides safe, prioritized nursing care before interventions.

Which fontanelle finding in a 4-month-old infant is most concerning and should be reported promptly?

Answer: Bulging anterior fontanelle when the infant is calm and upright

A bulging fontanelle at rest and upright suggests increased intracranial pressure and requires immediate reporting.

An LPN is caring for a child with croup. Which clinical sign indicates respiratory distress requiring immediate intervention?

Answer: Inspiratory stridor at rest

Inspiratory stridor at rest indicates significant upper airway obstruction and is an emergency.

When calculating a pediatric medication dose, the order reads: amoxicillin 40 mg/kg/day divided every 8 hours. The child weighs 22 lbs. What is the correct dose per administration?

Answer: 133 mg

22 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 10 kg; 40 mg/kg/day = 400 mg/day ÷ 3 doses = ~133 mg per dose.

A toddler undergoing hospitalization is most likely to experience which type of stress according to developmental theory?

Answer: Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety is the dominant stressor for toddlers (1–3 years) because they are strongly attached to caregivers.

Which immunization is typically given at birth and again at 1–2 months of age?

Answer: Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B vaccine is given at birth, 1–2 months, and 6–18 months per the recommended schedule.

A school-age child with type 1 diabetes is found unresponsive in the classroom. After confirming hypoglycemia, which action should the LPN take first?

Answer: Administer IM glucagon

An unresponsive child cannot safely swallow; IM glucagon is the appropriate first action outside a hospital setting.