Pediatric Nursing Flashcards

A child with sickle cell disease presents with fever, severe bone pain, and swelling. The nurse recognizes this as:

Answer: Vaso-occlusive (pain) crisis

Vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease presents with severe pain, swelling, and fever from ischemia caused by sickle cell clumping.

A nurse is caring for a child with Kawasaki disease. Which finding is characteristic of this condition?

Answer: Fever lasting more than 5 days with strawberry tongue and rash

Kawasaki disease is characterized by fever >5 days plus at least four of five criteria including strawberry tongue, rash, conjunctivitis, hand/foot changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy.

Which immunization is recommended at birth before hospital discharge in the United States?

Answer: Hepatitis B vaccine (first dose)

The first dose of Hepatitis B vaccine is routinely given to newborns within 24 hours of birth per CDC/AAP guidelines.

A 3-year-old is brought to the ED after ingesting an unknown substance. What is the nurse's first action?

Answer: Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222)

Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) should be called immediately to get expert guidance on whether and how to treat the ingestion.

A nurse is assessing a child with a suspected head injury. Which finding indicates increased intracranial pressure (ICP) in a child?

Answer: Bradycardia, widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations

Cushing's triad — bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular breathing — is the classic sign of dangerously elevated ICP.

A nurse is caring for a child with nephrotic syndrome. Which finding is most characteristic?

Answer: Massive proteinuria and generalized edema

Nephrotic syndrome is defined by massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and generalized edema (including periorbital).