BSN Pediatrics Exam 1 Warmup

You are the RN in a pediatric clinic seeing a patient who's mother is concerned about weight loss at her 1 week checkup. Which of the following statements provides the best patient education?

• It's common for newborns to lose around 10% of their birthweight in their first week of life and should get it back around week two.

• Breastfed infants lose weight in their first week of life if the mother's milk isn't yet fully developed.

• You are correct to be concerned, I will make sure the provider discusses possible formula supplementing.

• Weight your baby daily, weighing stools and voids to make sure she's getting enough to eat.

Answer explanation

It's normal for newborns to lose up to 10% of their birthweight in the first week, and they typically regain it by week two. This reassures the mother that her baby's weight loss is expected and not a cause for concern.

An RN is teaching the parents of a 6-month-old infant about car safety seats. Which of the following statements by the parents demonstrates understanding of the RN's teaching?

• The car seat should be an infant model and be securely anchored in the car.

• The car seat should be front-facing and always in the back seat.

• We should be able to fit a hand between the baby and the car seat harness.

• The car seat should be rear-facing and in the front seat whenever possible.

Answer explanation

The correct statement emphasizes that the car seat must be an infant model and securely anchored, which is crucial for safety. The other options either suggest incorrect positioning or harness fitting.

An RN is discussing an infant's recent diagnosis with Deformational Plagiocephaly. Which statement indicates that further teaching is needed?

• I should place my baby on his stomach every day while supervised to fix this.

• My baby will need to be monitored for seizures.

• I should continue to place my baby on his back to sleep to reduce the risk of SIDS.

• My baby may need to have physical therapy and wear a helmet for a little while.

Answer explanation

The statement about monitoring for seizures indicates a misunderstanding. Deformational Plagiocephaly does not typically require seizure monitoring, unlike other conditions. The other statements reflect appropriate care.

An RN is assessing a child patient and notices several bruises. Which of the following actions should the RN take?

• Immediately suspect and report abuse to the authorities.

• Obtain a detailed history.

• Immediately request a psychiatrist referral to speak with the parents.

• Call security to have them separate the child from the parents.

Answer explanation

The RN should obtain a detailed history to understand the context of the bruises before jumping to conclusions about abuse. This approach ensures a thorough assessment and appropriate response.

By age 5, a preschool aged child should

• be able to control impulsive feelings.

• build a collection of trading cards.

• express the need for privacy.

• participate in imaginary play.

Answer explanation

By age 5, children typically engage in imaginative play, which helps develop social skills and creativity. This ability to participate in imaginary play is a key developmental milestone for preschool-aged children.

Which of the following vaccinations is recommended for adolescents ages 13-18?

• MMR

• Flu

• HPV

• DTap

Answer explanation

The Flu vaccine is recommended annually for adolescents ages 13-18 to protect against seasonal influenza. MMR and DTaP are typically given earlier in life, while HPV is also recommended but not annually like the Flu vaccine.

Of the following, which clinical manifestation might indicate failure to thrive in a 13-month-old?

• Age appropriate achievement of developmental milestones.

• Weight typically ≤ the 5th percentile.

• Refusal to take milk or formula in favor of solid foods.

• Length and height below acceptable standards.

Answer explanation

Weight typically ≤ the 5th percentile is a key indicator of failure to thrive, as it suggests significant undernutrition. Other options do not directly indicate inadequate growth or nutritional status.

According to Piaget, adolescents tend to be in which stage of cognitive development?

• Concrete operations

• Conventional thought

• Postconventional thought

• Formal operational thought

Answer explanation

According to Piaget, adolescents are in the formal operational thought stage, where they develop abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills, moving beyond concrete operations typical of earlier stages.

You are the RN preparing to assess an infant's vital signs. Which of the following sites should you use to best assess the heart rate?

• Carotid artery

• Apex of the heart

• Brachial artery

• Radial artery

Answer explanation

The apex of the heart is the most accurate site to assess an infant's heart rate, as it provides a direct measurement of the heart's contractions. Other sites may not reflect the heart rate as accurately.

You an RN and have been asked to gather the recommended vaccines for a patient who is having a pre-college physical who is stable and was up-to-date with all vaccinations at his last physical at the start of 12th grade. Which of the following immunizations do you anticipate prepping and administering upon receiving orders from the provider?

• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine

• Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine

• Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine

• Influenza vaccine

Answer explanation

The meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended for college-bound students to protect against meningococcal disease, especially since they are at higher risk in communal living settings. This is the correct choice.