Pediatric CCRN Neurological Flashcards
6 cards from real Pediatric CCRN Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Pediatric CCRN Neurological flashcards as text
A child with Guillain-Barré syndrome has a forced vital capacity (FVC) of 18 mL/kg. Based on the '20-30-40 rule,' what intervention is indicated?
Answer: Elective intubation for airway protection
The 20-30-40 rule states that FVC −30 cmH2O, or maximum expiratory pressure <40 cmH2O indicates respiratory failure risk requiring elective intubation.
Which finding is MOST specific for non-accidental trauma (abusive head trauma) in a 6-month-old?
Answer: Bilateral retinal hemorrhages with subdural hematoma in various stages
Bilateral retinal hemorrhages (especially extending to the periphery) combined with subdural hematoma at different stages of evolution are highly specific for abusive head trauma in infants.
A 9-year-old post-craniotomy develops diabetes insipidus (DI). Which set of findings confirms this diagnosis?
Answer: Urine output >4 mL/kg/hr, urine specific gravity 1.002, serum Na 152
Central DI presents with polyuria (>4 mL/kg/hr), very dilute urine (specific gravity <1.005), and hypernatremia from free water loss exceeding intake.
Which EEG pattern in a critically ill child indicates the HIGHEST risk for poor neurological outcome?
Answer: Burst suppression pattern
Burst suppression on EEG — periods of near-electrical silence alternating with bursts of activity — indicates severe diffuse cortical dysfunction and is associated with poor neurological prognosis.
A 5-year-old is noted to have subtle lip smacking and eye blinking lasting 90 seconds followed by confusion. This event is BEST classified as:
Answer: Focal impaired awareness seizure (complex partial seizure)
Repetitive automatisms (lip smacking, eye blinking) with impaired awareness followed by post-ictal confusion characterize focal impaired awareness seizures originating in the temporal lobe.
What is the RECOMMENDED head-of-bed position for a child with elevated ICP and no spinal injury?
Answer: 15–30 degree elevation to promote venous drainage
Elevating the head of bed 15–30 degrees promotes cerebral venous drainage, reduces ICP, and is recommended in pediatric TBI guidelines when no contraindication exists.
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