LPN Pediatric Nursing Fundamentals

Question 1

A 3-year-old child is admitted with suspected epiglottitis. Which nursing action is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Keep the child calm, do not agitate, and notify the charge nurse immediately

Answer

Perform a throat inspection using a tongue depressor

Answer

Obtain a throat culture to identify the causative organism

Answer

Administer a tepid sponge bath to reduce fever

Question 2

The LPN is caring for a 2-year-old child in a mist tent. Which nursing action is most important?

Accepted Answer

Change the child's clothing and bed linens frequently to prevent hypothermia

Answer

Keep the tent temperature warmer than the room for comfort

Answer

Ensure the tent remains fully sealed at all times to maintain humidity

Answer

Encourage the child to sleep in the tent without parental presence

Question 3

A 7-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department. The parent reports the infant 'won't stop crying and is pulling at the right ear.' The infant has a temperature of 38.8°C (101.8°F). The LPN should expect the provider to order:

Accepted Answer

Assessment for otitis media and likely antibiotic therapy

Answer

Ear drops with hydrocortisone for external otitis

Answer

Immediate CT scan of the head

Answer

Lumbar puncture to rule out meningitis

Question 4

A child is admitted with suspected Reye's syndrome. Which historical finding in the chart most supports this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Aspirin use during a recent viral illness (chickenpox or influenza)

Answer

Recent vaccinations with the MMR vaccine

Answer

Chronic ibuprofen use for juvenile arthritis

Answer

Recent streptococcal throat infection treated with penicillin

Question 5

An LPN is assessing a 4-year-old with suspected intussusception. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Episodic severe abdominal cramping with periods of normal behavior and currant jelly stools

Answer

Bright red blood mixed with diarrhea and fever

Answer

Projectile vomiting after every feeding

Answer

Diffuse abdominal rigidity and guarding without bowel sounds

Question 6

The LPN is caring for a 6-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome. Which finding is the primary characteristic of this condition?

Accepted Answer

Massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema (anasarca)

Answer

Hypertension and hematuria

Answer

Oliguria and elevated creatinine

Answer

Polyuria and polydipsia

Question 7

A school-age child receives a tympanostomy tube (ear tube) and is being discharged. Which instruction should the LPN include?

Accepted Answer

Keep water out of the ear with earplugs during bathing and swimming until the provider clears it

Answer

The child may swim freely but must avoid submerging ears in the bathtub

Answer

The tubes will dissolve in 2 weeks — no follow-up is needed

Answer

Apply antibiotic ear drops twice daily for 6 months

Question 8

A 9-month-old infant is brought in for a well-child visit. Which developmental milestone would the LPN expect this infant to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

Sitting without support and pulling to stand

Answer

Walking independently

Answer

Speaking 2–3 word sentences

Answer

Building a tower of 4 blocks

Question 9

A 4-year-old child is scheduled for a tonsillectomy. Which postoperative finding requires immediate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Swallowing frequently and blood-tinged saliva

Answer

Complaining of a sore throat and refusing to drink

Answer

Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) on postoperative day 2

Answer

Preference for cold liquids over warm ones

Question 10

A child with sickle cell disease presents with fever of 38.9°C (102°F), severe bone pain, and pallor. The LPN recognizes this as a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which intervention is the priority?

Accepted Answer

Administer supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, and analgesics as ordered

Answer

Restrict fluids to prevent fluid overload with IV hydration

Answer

Apply ice packs to painful extremities to reduce sickling

Answer

Encourage bed rest and withhold all analgesics until the cause is identified