Pediatric Nursing Flashcards

A child with Type 1 diabetes has a blood glucose of 52 mg/dL and is conscious. The nurse should first:

Answer: Give 4 oz (120 mL) of juice or another 15 g fast-acting carbohydrate

For a conscious child with mild hypoglycemia, the 'Rule of 15' applies: give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck in 15 minutes.

A parent is concerned because their 18-month-old only says 5 words. The nurse knows that the expected vocabulary at 18 months is at least:

Answer: 10–15 words

By 18 months, children are expected to have a vocabulary of at least 10–15 words; fewer than 10 words warrants developmental evaluation.

A child with meningitis has a positive Kernig's sign. This is elicited by:

Answer: Extending the knee with the hip flexed, which causes pain and resistance

Kernig's sign is positive when extending the knee from a 90-degree hip flexion position causes pain or resistance due to meningeal irritation.

A nurse is caring for a child with RSV bronchiolitis. Which intervention is the priority?

Answer: Provide supplemental oxygen and ensure adequate hydration

RSV bronchiolitis is treated with supportive care — oxygen for hypoxemia and hydration are the cornerstones of management.

Which dietary teaching is most important for a child with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

Answer: Restrict phenylalanine intake by avoiding high-protein foods

PKU requires lifelong restriction of phenylalanine, which is found in high-protein foods, to prevent intellectual disability.

A nurse is preparing a school-age child (age 8) for surgery. Which explanation is most appropriate?

Answer: 'You will receive anesthesia that stops you from feeling pain during the procedure, and you'll wake up in recovery.'

School-age children benefit from simple, honest, concrete explanations because they think logically and fear the unknown.