NCLEX : Pediatric Conditions

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Pediatric Conditions

Kerry is a first-time mother caring for her new baby boy. She notices that as she touches his cheek, he turns towards that side and opens his mouth. The nurse tells Kerry that this is a reflex called __________.

Possible Answers:

palmar grasp

the Babinski reflex

plantar grasp

the Moro reflex

the rooting reflex

Correct answer:

the rooting reflex

Explanation:

The question describes the rooting reflex. The Moro reflex is shown when an infant is startled and/or feels loss of support as if he/she is falling. He/she will extend the arms above the body in a curved shape. The Babinski reflex occurs in response to stimulation of the sole of the foot. Typically, the large toe will extend or remain extended as the others move. Infants may also exhibit plantar grasp with application of pressure to the foot. In plantar grasp, the toes will flex inward. Infants displaying palmar grasp will close their fingers around an object placed in their hand.

Example Question #12 : Pediatric Conditions

Which of the following findings are abnormal upon assessment of an infant on the third day of life? 

Possible Answers:

Blue tint to the hands and feet

Mottled skin

Fine hair covering large body surfaces

Firm stools

Small, white spots present on the bridge of the nose

Correct answer:

Firm stools

Explanation:

Hard or firm stools are abnormal for an infant on their third day of life. Typically, infants will have meconium (dark, sticky) stools for the first several days as a result of amniotic fluid ingestion. Over the next couple days they will transition to a seedy yellow (breastfed infants) or peanut butter consistency (formula-fed infants). Acrocyanosis, blue color on the extremities, is normal in infants. Mottling is also common. Infants have a developing cardiovascular system and many capillaries that exist close to the surface of the skin. Milia are normal white spots that frequent the faces of newborns. It is important not to pick or scratch these white spots to prevent scarring. Infants are also frequently born with fine hair called lanugo covering the body's surfaces. Some babies may be born with more lanugo than others.

Example Question #13 : Pediatric Conditions

While assessing a 4-month-old infant, the nurse notices hyperpigmented nevi on the lower back. Which of the following is false regarding hyperpigmented nevi?

Possible Answers:

Hyperpigmented nevi may be scattered

Hyperpigmented nevi may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome

Hyperpigmented nevi are frequently mistaken as bruises

Hyperpigmented nevi are most commonly found on dark skinned children

Hyperpigmented nevi fade over time

Correct answer:

Hyperpigmented nevi may be associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome

Explanation:

Hyperpigmented nevi have been previously called "Mongolian spots". They occur most commonly in dark skinned children and fade as the child ages. They are often mistaken for bruises. Sturge-Weber syndrome is a neurological disorder which is present at birth and associated with port-wine stain birthmarks.

Example Question #14 : Pediatric Conditions

While using an otoscope, how does the practitioner correctly examine the tympanic membrane of a toddler?

Possible Answers:

Pull back on the upper pinna

Pull up on the upper pinna

Pull upwards on the earlobe

Pull down on the earlobe

Pull forward on the upper pinna

Correct answer:

Pull down on the earlobe

Explanation:

Examine the eardrum of infants and toddlers by pulling down on the ear lobe. Examine the eardrum of an older child by pulling up on the outer pinna. Additional help from colleagues or caregivers may be necessary when examining small or upset children.

Example Question #14 : Identifying Pediatric Conditions

Rubeola is caused by which of the following viruses? 

Possible Answers:

Coxsackievirus A16

Measles

Parvovirus B19

Human herpesvirus

Varicella zoster

Correct answer:

Measles

Explanation:

Rubeola is caused by the measles virus and is extremely contagious. Airborne precautions must be used when measles are suspected. Patients who are affected by measles may exhibit a high fever, cough, conjunctivitis and a rash among many other symptoms. Contraction of measles may be prevented by administration of MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) through vaccination. Human herpesvirus include a family of related viruses of which varicella/zoster virus (causes chicken pox and shingles) is a member. Parvovirus B19 may cause fifth disease, among other conditions. Coxsackievirus A16 causes hand food mouth disease.

Example Question #15 : Identifying Pediatric Conditions

Which of the following would be considered appropriate in the treatment of a child with Lyme disease? 

Possible Answers:

Administration of antibiotics

Contact precautions

A clear liquid diet

Restricted fluid intake

Promotion of bed rest

Correct answer:

Administration of antibiotics

Explanation:

Lyme disease is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. It is a vector-borne disease that is contracted secondary to the bite of an infected tick. Administration of antibiotics is crucial to recovery. Standard precautions are adequate. Restricting fluids, diet, or activity is not necessary. 

Example Question #16 : Identifying Pediatric Conditions

A mother calls the clinic because her son is 5 years of age and has been experiencing incontinence of diarrhea for three days. He has a past medical history of constipation. The physician has diagnosed the child with encopresis. The nurse may recommend the family try which of the following?

Possible Answers:

Encouraging a low-fiber diet

Restricting activity until the diarrhea goes away

Taking calcium carbonate tablets

Limiting sugary food consumption

Giving the child an enema

Correct answer:

Giving the child an enema

Explanation:

Constipation is a common complaint in children. Encopresis occurs when children are incontinent of fecal matter after toilet training. Often, a child will leak stool surrounding a large fecal mass that has hardened in the rectum. Giving a child an enema may help to clear the mass and restore bowel function. Constipation should be avoided through exercise, high-fiber diet, and adequate liquid ingestion.

Example Question #17 : Identifying Pediatric Conditions

A school nurse examines a 5-year-old child who comes into the office with belly pain. The nurse palpates McBurney's point and the child winces and pulls her knees to her chest. The school nurse phones the parents to tell them which of the following?

Possible Answers:

The child may be experiencing reflux, spicy foods should be avoided

The child is likely constipated and will need to be seen in the office tomorrow

If the pain persists, make an appointment to see the physician later in the day

The child should be picked up and brought home

The child should be taken to the hospital immediately

Correct answer:

The child should be taken to the hospital immediately

Explanation:

Tenderness over McBurney's point (one-third the distance from the anterior superior iliac spine to the navel) may indicate appendicitis. This should be treated as a surgical emergency and the child should be taken to the emergency room. Other symptoms of appendicitis include nausea, vomiting, fever, and frequent soft stools.

Example Question #15 : Pediatric Conditions

Rubella is a viral illness that commonly affects children. Which of the following is another name for rubella? 

Possible Answers:

Chicken pox

German measles

Measles

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

Fifth disease

Correct answer:

German measles

Explanation:

All of the above are viral illnesses commonly found in children. Rubella may be referred to as "german measles" and is spread through droplets. The disease is generally mild, presenting with a rash that typically lasts around three days. Maternal rubella may spread to the fetus and cause severe complications.

Rubeola, also known as measles, is highly contagious and is caused by the measles virus. Chicken pox is caused by the herpes zoster (varicella) virus. Hand foot mouth disease is a viral disease caused by coxsackievirus A16. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19 and presents with bright red rashes on the cheeks and other parts of the body.

Example Question #16 : Pediatric Conditions

The nurse is caring for a one year old male client who has been brought to the emergency room because his parents state that he has been "more fussy than usual." He has currant-jelly stools and is vomiting. What may the nurse suspect? 

Possible Answers:

Inguinal hernia

Encopresis

Umbilical hernia

Pyloric stenosis

Intussusception

Correct answer:

Intussusception

Explanation:

Intussusception occurs when a portion of the bowel is pushed into another portion. It most commonly affects children under the age of two. Red currant jelly stools (stool mixed with blood and mucus) vomiting, and pain are common symptoms. Red currant jelly stools are a hallmark of intussusception. Pyloric stenosis generally causes reflux post feeding and encopresis affects children who have already been toilet trained. Hernias are rare in young patients. Encopresis refers to involuntary fecal soiling in children who are already toilet-trained, and does not involve abnormal stool, such as currant-jelly characterization.

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