Pediatric Nursing Flashcards

A child with epiglottitis is brought to the emergency department. Which nursing action is the priority?

Answer: Keep the child calm and do not examine the throat

Examining the throat in epiglottitis can trigger complete airway obstruction; the child must remain calm, preferably in a parent's lap, while airway management is prepared.

A 2-year-old child has a barking cough and inspiratory stridor that worsens at night. The nurse suspects:

Answer: Croup (laryngotracheobronchitis)

Croup presents with a characteristic 'seal-like' barking cough, inspiratory stridor, and symptoms that worsen at night, typically in children 6 months to 3 years.

A nurse is administering a medication to a 4-year-old child. Which approach is most developmentally appropriate?

Answer: Give the child a choice between two acceptable options (e.g., cup or spoon)

Offering limited choices gives preschoolers a sense of control, improving cooperation without dishonesty or threats.

A nurse is assessing a 6-month-old for developmental milestones. Which finding is expected?

Answer: Rolling from back to front and front to back

By 6 months, most infants can roll in both directions; pulling to stand is expected around 9–12 months.

A child with acute otitis media is prescribed amoxicillin. A parent asks how long the course should be. The standard treatment duration for a child under 2 years is:

Answer: 10 days

Children under 2 years with acute otitis media are typically treated with a 10-day course of amoxicillin.

A nurse is preparing to perform a venipuncture on a 7-year-old. Which pain management strategy is most appropriate?

Answer: Apply EMLA cream 60 minutes before the procedure

EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream applied 60 minutes before venipuncture reduces procedural pain in children.