Pediatric Respiratory and ENT Nursing Exam: Surfactant, Alveolar Compliance,
Airway Resistance, Tidal Volume, Respiratory Distress, Stridor, Grunting, Pulse
Oximetry, Pulmonary Function Tests, Radiography, Capnography, ABG
Interpretation, Maternal Antibody Decline, Viral Infections, Nasopharyngitis,
Otitis Media, Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Adenoidectomy,
Tonsillectomy, Infectious Mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr Virus, Influenza,
Neuraminidase Inhibitors, Oseltamivir, Pediatric Airway Anatomy, Barrel Chest,
Belly Breathing, Nasal Flaring, Cyanosis, Clubbing, Pediatric Postoperative Care,
and Hydration/Nutrition Management Exam Questions Verified and Provided
with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is surfactant?
The lipoprotein that keeps the alveoli open.
Without surfactant, alveoli cannot open to receive oxygen.
Epiglottis is flappy and U shaped.
Less tidal volume, less lung capacity.
Barrel chest appearance.
Respiratory rate increased.
Infants are "belly-breathers; breathe through their nose when bottle or breast feeding.
Limited room for gas exchange; bigger alveoli.
Compliance
The ability to expand and stretch via elastic recoil.
Resistance
,Inflammation, blockages that causes airway to be constricted, making it more difficult for air to pass
through.
Tidal Volume
Amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs during a normal breath.
About 0.5 L for adults.
5-8 mL/kg for kids.
What assessment findings would indicate respiratory distress?
Retractions, nasal flaring, O2 saturation, head bobbing, cyanosis.
Stridor
Strained, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration caused by obstruction in the pharynx or larynx.
Grunting
Natural attempt to prolong CO2/O2 exchange.
Skin color.
Chest pain.
Clubbing.
Cough.
Pulse Oximetry
An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds.
,Pulmonary Function Test
A group of diagnostic tests that give information regarding air flow in and out of the lungs, lung volumes
and gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream.
Radiography
Production of captured shadow images on photographic film through the action of ionizing radiation
passing through the body from an external source.
Capnography
A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient's ventilatory status,
circulation, and metabolism; effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air
over time.
How are ABGs different in children?
ABGs will be slightly lower in newborn.
pH 7.26-7.29
PaO2 70
PaCO2 33
Bicarb 20
Heel stick, art line, arterial puncture, or neonate's umbilical artery.
, Why do we see an increase in respiratory infections in babies after 3 months old?
Maternal antibodies have worn off. The baby's immune system is not developed yet.
What are some contributing factors to increased respiratory infections?
Viral infections are commonly found in preschool age children.
What are some common manifestations of respiratory infections?
Fever
HA, stiff neck
Anorexia, N/V/D, abd. pain
Nasal blockage
Runny nose
Cough
Wheezing, crackles, stridor
Sore throat
How are respiratory infections treated in children?
Cool mist vaporizer.
Humidity and steam help soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
Saline drops and nasal aspiration for nasal congestion.
Topical vapor rub, > 2 years.
Prevent spread of infection.
Reduce temperature.
Promote hydration.
Airway Resistance, Tidal Volume, Respiratory Distress, Stridor, Grunting, Pulse
Oximetry, Pulmonary Function Tests, Radiography, Capnography, ABG
Interpretation, Maternal Antibody Decline, Viral Infections, Nasopharyngitis,
Otitis Media, Streptococcal Pharyngitis, Tonsillitis, Adenoidectomy,
Tonsillectomy, Infectious Mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr Virus, Influenza,
Neuraminidase Inhibitors, Oseltamivir, Pediatric Airway Anatomy, Barrel Chest,
Belly Breathing, Nasal Flaring, Cyanosis, Clubbing, Pediatric Postoperative Care,
and Hydration/Nutrition Management Exam Questions Verified and Provided
with Complete A+ Graded Rationales Latest Updated 2026
What is surfactant?
The lipoprotein that keeps the alveoli open.
Without surfactant, alveoli cannot open to receive oxygen.
Epiglottis is flappy and U shaped.
Less tidal volume, less lung capacity.
Barrel chest appearance.
Respiratory rate increased.
Infants are "belly-breathers; breathe through their nose when bottle or breast feeding.
Limited room for gas exchange; bigger alveoli.
Compliance
The ability to expand and stretch via elastic recoil.
Resistance
,Inflammation, blockages that causes airway to be constricted, making it more difficult for air to pass
through.
Tidal Volume
Amount of air that moves in and out of the lungs during a normal breath.
About 0.5 L for adults.
5-8 mL/kg for kids.
What assessment findings would indicate respiratory distress?
Retractions, nasal flaring, O2 saturation, head bobbing, cyanosis.
Stridor
Strained, high-pitched sound heard on inspiration caused by obstruction in the pharynx or larynx.
Grunting
Natural attempt to prolong CO2/O2 exchange.
Skin color.
Chest pain.
Clubbing.
Cough.
Pulse Oximetry
An assessment tool that measures oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the capillary beds.
,Pulmonary Function Test
A group of diagnostic tests that give information regarding air flow in and out of the lungs, lung volumes
and gas exchange between the lungs and bloodstream.
Radiography
Production of captured shadow images on photographic film through the action of ionizing radiation
passing through the body from an external source.
Capnography
A noninvasive method to quickly and efficiently provide information on a patient's ventilatory status,
circulation, and metabolism; effectively measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in expired air
over time.
How are ABGs different in children?
ABGs will be slightly lower in newborn.
pH 7.26-7.29
PaO2 70
PaCO2 33
Bicarb 20
Heel stick, art line, arterial puncture, or neonate's umbilical artery.
, Why do we see an increase in respiratory infections in babies after 3 months old?
Maternal antibodies have worn off. The baby's immune system is not developed yet.
What are some contributing factors to increased respiratory infections?
Viral infections are commonly found in preschool age children.
What are some common manifestations of respiratory infections?
Fever
HA, stiff neck
Anorexia, N/V/D, abd. pain
Nasal blockage
Runny nose
Cough
Wheezing, crackles, stridor
Sore throat
How are respiratory infections treated in children?
Cool mist vaporizer.
Humidity and steam help soothe inflamed mucous membranes.
Saline drops and nasal aspiration for nasal congestion.
Topical vapor rub, > 2 years.
Prevent spread of infection.
Reduce temperature.
Promote hydration.
