Pediatric Nurse Exam Pediatric Nurse Psychosocial and Mental Health 5

Question 1

A nurse is caring for an adolescent with bulimia nervosa. Which laboratory finding is MOST expected?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Repeated purging causes significant potassium loss through vomiting, leading to hypokalemia which can precipitate dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.

Question 2

When planning care for a hospitalized toddler, the nurse prioritizes rooming-in for parents primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent separation anxiety and support attachment

Answer

Rooming-in minimizes separation from attachment figures, which is the primary source of distress for toddlers during hospitalization.

Question 3

A 12-year-old discloses sexual abuse by a family member. After ensuring safety, the nurse's next action is:

Accepted Answer

Notify child protective services and document the disclosure accurately

Answer

Mandatory reporting to CPS with accurate documentation is the nurse's legal and ethical obligation following a child's abuse disclosure.

Question 4

A nurse is educating a family about childhood bipolar disorder. Which statement about pediatric bipolar disorder is ACCURATE?

Accepted Answer

Children often present with rapid cycling, irritability, and mixed states rather than classic euphoria

Answer

Children with bipolar disorder frequently present with irritability and rapid cycling rather than the classic episodic euphoria seen in adults.

Question 5

A nurse is screening a 5-year-old using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). This tool is designed to:

Accepted Answer

Identify children at risk for psychosocial problems for further evaluation

Answer

The PSC is a validated psychosocial screening tool that flags children who may need further mental health evaluation, not a diagnostic instrument.

Pediatric Nurse Exam Practice Test