General pediatrics

What should you do before measuring a child's blood pressure?

• Let the child rest for 5 minutes

• Measure immediately after exercise

• Ask to be undressed to the waist

• Tell him to lie down

Answer explanation

Before measuring a child's blood pressure, it's important to let them rest for 5 minutes to ensure accurate readings. This allows their heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize after any recent activity.

What is the normal heart rate for a 3-year-old child at rest?

• 50–90 bpm

• 70–110 bpm

• 120–160 bpm

• 40–60 bpm

Answer explanation

The normal heart rate for a 3-year-old child at rest is typically between 70–110 bpm. This range reflects the higher metabolic rate and activity level of young children compared to adults.

What does PEWS stand for?

• Paediatric Emergency Warning System

• Paediatric Early Warning Score

• Paediatric Energy Weight Scale

• Primary Emergency Warning Score

Answer explanation

PEWS stands for Paediatric Early Warning Score, which is a tool used to identify children at risk of deterioration in a clinical setting. The other options do not accurately represent this scoring system.

What should a nurse do if a parent refuses a planned procedure?

• Do it anyway if it's minor

• Inform the doctor and record the refusal

• Try to convince the parent

• Ignore the situation

Answer explanation

If a parent refuses a planned procedure, the nurse should inform the doctor and record the refusal. This ensures proper documentation and allows the healthcare team to address any concerns while respecting the parent's wishes.

When should hand hygiene be performed according to WHO?

• Before touching a patient

• After touching a patient

• Before a clean procedure

• All of the above

Answer explanation

According to WHO, hand hygiene should be performed before touching a patient, after touching a patient, and before a clean procedure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above'.

If a child is crying and won't allow rectal temperature measurement, what should you do?

• Force the child to cooperate

• Use another method such as axillary or ear thermometer

• Skip the measurement

• Wait until the child sleeps

Answer explanation

Using another method such as an axillary or ear thermometer is appropriate when a child resists rectal temperature measurement. This ensures accurate assessment without causing distress to the child.

What are the main steps in initial assessment (triage)?

• ABCDE

• RICE

• SOS

• BPM

Answer explanation

The main steps in initial assessment (triage) are represented by the acronym ABCDE: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, and Exposure. This systematic approach helps prioritize patient care effectively.

How long before blood collection should EMLA cream be applied?

• 5 minutes

• 15 minutes

• 30–60 minutes

• Doesn't matter

Answer explanation

EMLA cream should be applied 30–60 minutes before blood collection to ensure effective numbing of the skin. This allows sufficient time for the active ingredients to penetrate the skin and provide adequate analgesia.

Which is the safest sleeping position for an infant in hospital?

• On the stomach

• On the back

• On the side

• Any position

Answer explanation

The safest sleeping position for an infant in a hospital is on the back. This position reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and is recommended by health professionals for safe sleep practices.

What should you do if oxygen saturation drops below 90%?

• Wait and recheck in 30 minutes

• Start oxygen and call the doctor

• Give water

• Cover the child with a blanket

Answer explanation

If oxygen saturation drops below 90%, it indicates a potential respiratory issue. Starting oxygen and calling the doctor ensures prompt medical attention, which is crucial for the patient's safety.