Pediatric nursing worksheet with answers

What is cerebral palsy?

1. AAn infection of the spinal cord that causes sudden paralysis of the legs
2. BA progressive muscle disease in which muscle fibres are slowly replaced by fat
3. CA non-progressive disorder of movement and posture from damage to the developing brain
4. DA genetic disorder of collagen that makes the bones break easily

Which side effects are common after a dose of salbutamol?

1. AWeight gain and high blood sugar
2. BTremor and a fast heart rate
3. CDrowsiness and slow breathing
4. DOral thrush and a hoarse voice

What causes respiratory distress syndrome in preterm babies?

1. AA viral infection caught from the mother
2. BAn allergy to the oxygen used in the incubator
3. CA lack of surfactant in the immature lungs
4. DInhaling meconium-stained fluid during birth

A 15-year-old seems very low in mood. Is it safe for the nurse to ask directly about suicidal thoughts?

1. AYes; asking directly does not increase the risk and helps find those who need help
2. BNo; only a psychiatrist is allowed to ask this question
3. CNo; asking about suicide may put the idea into the young person's head and raise the risk
4. DOnly if the parents give written permission first

Which signs suggest meningitis in a young infant?

1. AA clear runny nose, a mild cough and normal feeding
2. BA sunken fontanelle with heavy wet nappies
3. CA bulging fontanelle, a high-pitched cry, poor feeding and irritability
4. DNeck stiffness and a positive Kernig's sign, as in older children and adults

In acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which assessment is especially important?

1. ABlood glucose
2. BSerum bilirubin
3. CBlood pressure
4. DPeak flow

A toddler with sickle cell disease suddenly becomes pale and lethargic, with a fast heart rate and an enlarging left upper abdomen. What should the nurse suspect?

1. AA simple viral infection with mild anaemia
2. BA pain crisis in the abdominal muscles
3. CSplenic sequestration crisis, an emergency
4. DConstipation causing abdominal swelling and discomfort

Which child should the nurse see first?

1. AA 2-year-old with croup who has a barking cough but no stridor at rest
2. BA 4-year-old with asthma who can say only one or two words between breaths
3. CA 5-month-old with bronchiolitis who has an oxygen saturation of 95% and is feeding
4. DA 6-year-old with asthma whose peak flow is 85% of his best after salbutamol