Pediatric Nurse Management of Acute Illness Flashcards
7 cards from real Pediatric Nurse Exam practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pediatric Nurse Management of Acute Illness flashcards as text
A 4-year-old presents with sudden-onset stridor, drooling, and tripod positioning. Which action is the nurse's PRIORITY?
Answer: Keep the child calm and avoid throat examination
Suspected epiglottitis requires keeping the child calm and avoiding any throat manipulation that could precipitate complete airway obstruction.
A 9-month-old with bronchiolitis has an O2 saturation of 91% on room air. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Answer: Apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula
Supplemental oxygen is indicated when SpO2 falls below 90-92% in infants with bronchiolitis; albuterol is not routinely recommended.
A nurse is caring for a 7-year-old in status asthmaticus who is not responding to repeated albuterol treatments. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering next?
Answer: IV magnesium sulfate
IV magnesium sulfate is used as a second-line bronchodilator in severe asthma unresponsive to initial beta-agonist therapy.
Which assessment finding in a 2-year-old with croup indicates the need for immediate intervention?
Answer: Mild inspiratory stridor at rest
Stridor at rest (not just with agitation) indicates significant airway narrowing requiring prompt treatment.
A 6-year-old with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) receives IV fluid resuscitation. The nurse notes the child becomes confused and complains of headache. What complication should be suspected?
Answer: Cerebral edema
Cerebral edema is a life-threatening complication of DKA treatment, presenting with headache, altered mental status, and deteriorating neurological status.
A toddler with febrile seizure has stopped seizing. The parents ask if they should give rectal diazepam for future seizures. What is the best response?
Answer: Routine prophylactic anticonvulsants are not recommended for simple febrile seizures
Simple febrile seizures are benign and self-limited; routine prophylactic anticonvulsant therapy is not recommended.
A 10-year-old with appendicitis develops sudden relief of abdominal pain followed by diffuse rigidity and high fever. The nurse should recognize this as a sign of:
Answer: Perforated appendix with peritonitis
Sudden pain relief followed by diffuse rigidity and fever suggests appendiceal perforation and peritonitis, a surgical emergency.
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