SNLE Pediatric Nursing

Question 1

What is the most accurate method for calculating medication doses for pediatric patients?

Accepted Answer

Body weight in kilograms (mg/kg) or body surface area (BSA) calculation

Answer

Pediatric dosing is calculated by mg/kg body weight for most medications, with BSA (m²) used for critical drugs like chemotherapy. Weight must be measured accurately (not estimated) and doses must not exceed maximum adult doses. Double-check calculations are standard practice.

Question 2

What are the signs of dehydration in an infant?

Accepted Answer

Sunken fontanelle, dry mucous membranes, decreased tears, decreased urine output, and poor skin turgor

Answer

Infant dehydration signs: sunken anterior fontanelle, dry mucous membranes, absent tears when crying, decreased urine output (<6 wet diapers/day), poor skin turgor (tenting), tachycardia, lethargy, and sunken eyes. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency in infants.

Question 3

At what age should children receive the MMR vaccine according to the Saudi MOH immunization schedule?

Accepted Answer

12 months (with second dose at 18 months)

Answer

The Saudi MOH immunization schedule recommends the first MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine at 12 months of age, with a second dose at 18 months. Earlier vaccination may be given during outbreaks but doesn't count toward the routine schedule.

Question 4

What is the priority nursing intervention for a child in status epilepticus?

Accepted Answer

Ensure airway patency, place in side-lying position, protect from injury, administer benzodiazepines as ordered, and monitor oxygen saturation

Answer

Status epilepticus (seizure >5 minutes) is a neurological emergency. Priority: maintain airway (suction as needed), position on side (prevents aspiration), protect from injury (padding), administer IV lorazepam/diazepam as ordered, monitor SpO2, and time the seizure duration.

Question 5

What is the normal respiratory rate for a newborn?

Accepted Answer

30-60 breaths/minute

Answer

Normal newborn respiratory rate is 30-60 breaths per minute. Rates above 60 (tachypnea) may indicate respiratory distress, while periodic breathing (brief pauses <10 seconds) is normal in newborns. Always count for a full 60 seconds in infants.

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Practice Test

SNLE Pediatric Nursing