Pediatric HESI Flashcards
What are the primary goals for a child admitted with Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
relieve itching and inflammation
lubricate the skin
control secondary infections r/t scratching
Where does Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) commonly occur in adolescents?
antecubital
popliteal
A child with a skin disorder needs to be monitored for S&S of ______.
infection
What is Impetigo?
a contagious bacterial (strep or staph) infection of the skin
Impetigo lesions progress to a crusting stage, where we can expect to see ______.
a honey-colored crust
What is the nursing priority intervention for Impetigo?
isolate the child and use contact precautions (very contagious)
When is scabies contagious and how is it transmitted?
contagious period - the entire course of infestation
transmission - close contact with an infected person (all those in a household need to be treated simultaneously)
What should be taken into consideration when administering Lindane - an alternative med used to treat scabies?
do not give to children under 2 years old - neurotoxicity and seizures
rationale - children under 2 have more permeable skin, a higher systemic absorption may occur and put the child at risk for CNS toxicity and seizures
How should Permethrin (Elimite) - a med used to treat scabies - be applied?
to cool dry skin at least 30 minutes after bathing
to the entire skin, not just the scabies part
What patient teaching should be given to the parents of a child with scabies?
wash all clothing/bedding once per day for at least a week
What is the nursing priority for a child with a burn injury?
#1 - stop the burning process #2 - ABCs #3 - remove burned clothing #4 - keep the child warm
How are burns documented in a pediatric client?
TBSA% using age-related charts
What is the MOST accurate way to determine if fluid resuscitation for a burn patient has been adequate?
neurological assessment
rationale - the burn itself should not affect the brain, so the child should be AAOX3
A nurse suspects scabies when she sees the child’s skin has _____.
fine grayish red lines
Where do impetigo lesions commonly form?
the mouth and nose
Do adults or children present with more severe scarring after a burn injury?
a child
Burns involving more than __% of TBSA require fluid resuscitation.
10%
A (higher/lower) proportion of body fluid to mass in a child increases the risk fo cardiovascular problems.
higher fluid
Which pain medication should be avoided in children with sickle cell anemia because it increases the risk of seizures?
Meperidine (Demerol)
What patient teaching should be given regarding the administration of liquid iron supplements?
it stains teeth - use a straw and brush teeth after
What INCREASES iron absorption and should be given concurrently with iron supplements?
vitamin C
What DECREASES iron absorption and should NOT be given with iron supplements?
mild or antacids
How is aplastic anemia diagnosed?
bone marrow aspiration
What are some expected assessment findings for a child with aplastic anemia?
pancytopenia petechiae purpura pallor bleeding weakness tachycardia
What is the primary treatment for hemophilia?
replacement of the missing clotting factor
What are some expected assessment findings for hemophilia (a bleeding disorder caused by lack of a clotting factor)?
abnormal bleeding
nosebleeds
pain/tenderness/swelling r/t joint bleeding
easy bruising
What will tests that measure platelets show in a child with hemophilia?
they will have NORMAL platelet levels but decreased clotting factors
Von Willebrand’s Disease is characterized by _____.
bleeding from mucous membranes
What does a child with a bleeding disorder need to have with them at all times?
a Medic-Alert bracelet
Which groups have the highest incidence of B-Thalassemia?
Those of Mediterranean descent - Italians, Greeks, Syrians
What is the priority intervention for a child newly admitted with a bleeding disorder?
put them on bleeding precautions and assess for bleeding
What is B-Thalassemia?
an autosomal recessive disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin
What are some expected assessment findings for a child with B-Thalassemia?
frontal bossing (prominent brow ridge/forehead)
maxillary prominence
wide-set eyes
flattened nose
green/yellow skin tone
hepato/splenomegaly
severe anemia
microcytic RBCs
What drug will be given to prevent organ damage from iron toxicity (chelation therapy)?
Deferoxamine (Desferal)
Exjade
What, if not given throughout the therapy for a sickle cell exacerbation, will cause pain that can not be controlled?
Hydration - do not deprive fluids
What lab result will a patient with iron deficiency anemia display?
microcytic RBCs
rationale - iron aids in the production of hemoglobin for RBCs
What is Von Willebrand’s Disease?
a hereditary bleeding disorder that causes platelets to adhere to damaged endothelium (organ lining)
What is the pathology of leukemia?
developing WBCs depress the bone marrow, causing anemia, infection, and bleeding
What will the WBC labs show for a child with leukemia?
they can be low, normal or elevated depending on the stage of the disease
What are some common S&S of leukemia?
fever fatigue pallor anorexia hemorrhage bone and joint pain pathologic fractures
A positive bone marrow biopsy for a patient with leukemia will show:
leukemic blast (immature phase) cells
What is the number one nursing consideration for a child receiving chemotherapy?
monitor for infection.
Hallmark sign of Hodgkin’s Disease:
Reed-Sternberg cells
What are some assessment findings for Hodgkin’s Disease?
painless enlarged fixed lymph nodes
What is a Nephroblastoma (Wilms’ Tumor)?
the most common intraabdominal and kidney tumor of childhood
What is the hallmark sign of a nephroblastoma (Wilms’ Tumor)?
a firm non-tender mass within the abdomen
What should you NOT do before surgical removal of a nephroblastoma (Wilms’ Tumor)?
DO NOT PALPATE the abdomen - the tumor is often encapsulated, and if the capsule breaks we risk metastasis
What causes the S&S of neuroblastomas?
compression of the surrounding tissue
What is the most common bone cancer in children?
osteosarcoma
What are some common assessment findings for an osteosarcoma tumor?
bone pain relieved by a flexed position
What is the number one nursing assessment for a brain tumor?
signs of increased ICP
Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count less than
20,000
What is an EARLY sign of increased ICP?
vomiting
What should NOT be administered to a child with a fever? Why?
Asprin b/c of the risk for Reye’s syndrome
Afre an antipyretic is administered, what should be your next nursing step?
recheck the temp 30-60 minutes after
Why are infants and children more susceptible to fluid volume deficit?
their body water is in the extracellular space
What % of weight loss will a child with SEVERE dehydration have?
10% or more
What will the vitals show for a child with SEVERE dehydration?
HR increased
RR increased
BP decreased
What will the capillary bed refill be like in a child with SEVERE dehydration?
very delayed (>4sec) with tenting
What is the most accurate measure of dehydration?
weight
What is Phenylketonuria (PKU)?
an autosomal recessive disorder that leads to CNS damage from too much phenylalanine
How many states require the routine screening of newborns for PKU?
all 50
Which foods are high in phenylalanine and should be avoided by a child with PKU?
high protein meats
dairy
aspartame
What is Type I Diabetes? Type II?
Type I - the destruction of pancreatic beta cells (that produce insulin)
Type II - the body fails to produce and use insulin properly
What is the “normal” blood glucose level?
70-110
What are some assessment findings for a child with Diabetes Mellitus?
Polyuria
Polyphagia
Polydipsia
HYPERglycemia
fruity breath
Weight LOSS
blurred vision
change is LOC
H/A
fatigue
lethargy
What is a priority nursing action for a child newly diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus?
plan a consult with a diabetic specialist
How many grams of carbohydrates should be consumed for every 30-45 minutes of exercise in a diabetic child?
15 grams
When would DILUTED insulin be administered?
in infants who need a smaller dose
What is the goal for Hemoglobin A1c levels in a child with Diabetes Mellitus?
< 7%
Which is a more accurate measure for blood glucose; a lancet finger prick or a urine test?
a lancet finger prick (BG monitoring)
Which voided urine specimen is most accurate when taking a urine cache?
the second one (toss the first one)
Urine glucose testing is unreliable, so why/when would we take a urine sample for a diabetic child?
when the child is sick or HYPERglycemic, their urine should be tested for ketones
What are some S&S of HYPOglycemia?
“cold and clammy, need some candy”
tingling around the mouth
H/A nausea sweating tremors hunger confusion / anxiety slurred speech
Once a HYPOglycemic child becomes unconscious outside of the hospital, what is the first nursing action?
squeeze cake frosting/glucose paste onto their gums and retest the glucose level in 15 minutes
if it’s still low, and the child remains unconscious, prepare to administer glucagon as prescribed
What are some food items to treat HYPOglycemia?
1/2 cup orange juice 1 box raisins 1 candy bar 1 tsp honey 2-3 glucose tabs 3-4 LifeSavers candies 3-4 hard candies 4 sugar cubes (1 tbsp sugar) 8 oz milk
HYPERglycemia is defined t what blood glucose level?
200 or more
if a diabetic child is sick, should you withhold insulin?
never withhold insulin
What is DKA? How does it occur? What are the defining labs?
diabetic ketoacidosis
hyperglycemia turns into a metabolic acidosis
blood glucose > 300
ketones present in the urine
What are the S&S of DKA?
Kussmaul breathing acetone (fruity) breath lethargy decreasing LOC HYPOtension r/t dehydration
HYPERglycemia symptoms
What lab should be monitored during a DKA crisis?
potassium - insulin administration affects potassium levels
If a diabetic child is sick AT HOME and presents with ketones in the urine, what should the nurse recommend the parents do?
encourage the child to drink fluids to clear the ketones - it is NOT necessary to bring the child into the clinic immediately at this time
A child is being prescribed potassium chloride, what is the PRIORITY nursing assessment before administering this prescription?
chick urine output
rationale - potassium chloride should never be administered in the presence of oliguria or anuria b/c of the risk for HYPERkalemia. If the urine output is less than 1-2mL/kg/hr, potassium chloride should not be administered.
What level of phenylalanine defines PKU?
over 20 mg/dL
What is the expected INITIAL prescription for a child presenting with DKA?
normal saline - hydration is the first step for HYPERglyemia
rationale - a potassium IV will likely be required, but it is not the INITIAL tx for DKA
After administering an antipyretic, why should COLD water not be sponged onto a child with a fever? What should the nurse do instead?
it may cause shivering - increasing metabolic processes and therefore the fever (tepid water is OK)
instead, all excess blankets and clothing should be removed from the child
What is an acceptable urine specific gravity to note when a child has been dehydrated and is improving?
1.002 - 1.025
What is the major concern for a vomiting child?
dehydration
What is the priority nursing intervention for a child who is vomiting?
prevent aspiration
What is a major cause of dehydration, especially for children under the age of 5?
acute diarrhea
What are the major concerns for a child having diarrhea?
dehydration
loss of electrolytes
metabolic acidosis
What might the nurse have to give to a postoperative cleft lip repair child?
a soft elbow/jacket restraints
What must be kept at the bedside for a cleft lip repair?
suction
What are the “3 c’s” of esophageal atresia?
coughing during feeding
choking during feeding
cyanosis
What patient teaching should be given to the parents of a child with esophageal atresia repair postoperatively?
ID the need for suctioning - respiratory distress and constricted esophagus
What are some complications of GERD?
esophagitis
esophageal sticture
aspiraton of gastric contents
aspiration pneumonia
How should a GERD infant be placed when sleeping?
supine - to prevent SIDS unless otherwise prescribed by the HCP
What are some hallmark signs of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis?
HPS is the enlargement of the muscles surrounding the pyloric sphincter that may lead to complete obstruction
mild regurgitation turning into projectile vomiting after feeding
peristaltic waves that are visible from left to right during feeding
there is an olive-shaped mass just to the right of the umbilicus
What is a pyloromyotomy? When is it done?
an incision through the mm of the pylorus - used for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
What is the priority intervention for a child with lactose intolerance?
eliminate diary or administer an enzyme tablet replacement
A child with lactose intolerance will need to take 2 supplements because of the risk of _____ and _____ deficiency.
calcium
vitamin D
What is Celiac Disease?
intolerance to gluten (wheat, barley, rye, and oats)
What are the S&S of a celiac crisis?
watery diarrhea
vomiting
What are some dietary interventions for a child with celiac disease?
substitute corn and rice for gluten
Where will the most pain be felt for a child with appendicitis?
McBurney’s point
What is the hallmark indication of a perforated appendix?
sudden relief of pain followed by an increase in pain and guarding of the abdomen
What position should a patient be placed in following an appendectomy?
right side-lying or semi Fowler’s
What therapies should be avoided following an appendectomy?
heat to the abdomen
laxatives
enemas
What is the most serious complication of Hirschsprung’s Disease (MegaColon)?
enterocolitis
What is the first sign of Hirschsprung’s Disease in infancy?
failure to pass meconium
failure to suck
What dietary interventions should be carried out for a child with Hirschsprung’s Disease?
low-fiber
high-calorie
high-protein
What poop will you see for Intussusception (telescoping)?
currant jelly stools (bright red blood and mucus)
What is the sign that Intussusception has resolved?
passage of normal brown stool
What is an Omphalocele? What is the priority nursing intervention for it?
the intestines herniated through the abdomen - SAC IS INTACT
priority - KEEP THAT SAC INTACT; the sac is covered with sterile gauze to prevent drying out and the patient is kept NPO
What is Gastroschisis? What is the priority nursing intervention for it?
the intestines herniated through the abdomen - THE SAC IS NOT INTACT
priority - the exposed bowel is covered in saline-soaked pads but NOT wrapped with plastic b/c if the bowel expands, the wrapping may cause pressure and necrosis
What is an incarcerated hernia?
part of the bowel becomes tightly caught in the hernial sac and compromises blood supply - MEDICAL EMERGENCY - may lead to gangrene
What is the priority dietary tx for constipation and encopresis (fecal incontinence with constipation)?
high fiber diet and fluids
decrease milk and sugar intake
What are some high fiber foods?
bread and grains raw veggies fruits beans popcorn/nuts
What are the S&S of IBS in children?
alternating constipation and diarrhea with the presence of undigested food and mucus in the stool
What are some preoperative interventions for a child with an imperforate anus?
determine the presence of an anal opening
look for stool in urine and vagina (indicates a fistula)
What is the preferred patient positioning following surgery for a child with an imperforate anus?
side-lying prone with hips elevated
or
supine with legs hips flexed to 90
How are all of the Hepatitis viruses acquired?
HAV & HEV - contaminated food
HBV & HDV - body fluids
HCV - parenterally
What is Hepatitis? What are some assessment findings during the different phases?
inflammation of the liver
Prodromal & Anicteric phase:
NO jaundice
Fever
Rash
Icteric phase: Jaundice Dark urine Pale stools Pruritus
Which Hepatitis viruses do we have vaccines for?
A & B
How do we prevent the spread of Hepatitis?
handwashing and standard precautions
What therapy is administered for a child with lead poisoning?
chelation therapy:
Calcium Disodium Edenate
Chemet
BAL - not for allergy to peanuts, not with iron
What defines a toxic dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) in children?
150 mg/kg
What is the antidote to Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?
Mucomyst
- dilute in juice b/c of odor
- do not give with activated charcoal lavage (in the event of an unconscious pt)
What level defines a toxic dose of Aspirin?
300-500 mg/kg