ESSENTIALS OF PEDIATRIC NURSING
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION TEST
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉A 12-year-old boy has just undergone a liver transplantation and is
recovering. After performing a finger stick puncture and assessing
the results, the nurse administers a 10% solution of dextrose IV.
What is the correct rationale for this intervention? Answer:
Prevention of hypoglycemia
Explanation:
Hypoglycemia is a major danger following liver transplantation
because glucose levels are regulated by the liver, and the
transplanted organ may not function efficiently at first. Assess
serum glucose levels hourly by finger stick puncture. A 10% solution
of dextrose IV may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Careful
tissue matching before the transplantation is needed to reduce the
possibility of stimulating T-cell rejection. Sodium, potassium,
chloride, and calcium levels are evaluated approximately every 6 to
8 hours to be certain electrolyte balance is maintained, but
potassium is rarely added to IV solutions because of the risk that
renal failure has occurred. IV therapy with hypotensive agents such
,as hydralazine (Apresoline) and nitroprusside may be needed to
reduce hypertension.
◉The nurse is assessing a 10-day-old infant for dehydration. Which
finding indicates severe dehydration? Answer: Tenting of skin
Explanation:
Tenting of skin is an indicator of severe dehydration. Soft and flat
fontanels indicate mild dehydration. Pale and slightly dry mucosa
indicates mild or moderate dehydration. Blood pressure of 80/42
mm Hg is a normal finding for an infant.
◉The labor and delivery nurse is caring for a mother who has
demonstrated polyhydramnios upon delivery. The newborn displays
copious, frothy bubbles of mucus in the mouth and nose, as well as
drooling. The nurse is concerned that the infant has what disorder?
Answer: Esophageal atresia
Explanation:
Esophageal atresia refers to a congenitally interrupted esophagus
where the proximal and distal ends do not communicate; the upper
esophageal segment ends in a blind pouch and the lower segment
ends a variable distance above the diaphragm. Polyhydramnios is
often the first sign of esophageal atresia because the fetus cannot
swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in utero, leading to accumulation.
Omphalocele and gastroschisis are congenital anomalies of the
, anterior abdominal wall. Hiatal hernia involves a weakened
diaphragm.
◉The nurse is caring for a newborn following delivery who has been
diagnosed with gastroschisis. Which actions by the nurse indicated
knowledge of appropriate care for this disorder? Answer: -The
nurse assesses the color of the newborns abdominal organs
-The nurse places the newborn in a radiant warmer to maintain the
newborn's temperature
-The nurse closely monitors the hydration status of the newborn for
signs of dehydration
Explanation:
Gastroschisis is a herniation of the abdominal contents through an
abdominal wall defect, usually to the left or right of the
umbilicus.Gastroschisis differs from omphalocele in that there is no
peritoneal sac protecting the herniated organs. The color of the
protruding organs should be assessed to determine if perfusion is
sufficient. The contents should be covered with a sterile, rather than
a clean, dressing. Temperature regulation is compromised with the
open abdominal wall so a radiant warmer is imperative. The parents
should be encouraged to touch and spend time with the newborn to
facilitate bonding. IV fluid will be ordered to prevent dehydration so
close monitoring of the hydration status is imperative.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION TEST
2026 FULL QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
◉A 12-year-old boy has just undergone a liver transplantation and is
recovering. After performing a finger stick puncture and assessing
the results, the nurse administers a 10% solution of dextrose IV.
What is the correct rationale for this intervention? Answer:
Prevention of hypoglycemia
Explanation:
Hypoglycemia is a major danger following liver transplantation
because glucose levels are regulated by the liver, and the
transplanted organ may not function efficiently at first. Assess
serum glucose levels hourly by finger stick puncture. A 10% solution
of dextrose IV may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia. Careful
tissue matching before the transplantation is needed to reduce the
possibility of stimulating T-cell rejection. Sodium, potassium,
chloride, and calcium levels are evaluated approximately every 6 to
8 hours to be certain electrolyte balance is maintained, but
potassium is rarely added to IV solutions because of the risk that
renal failure has occurred. IV therapy with hypotensive agents such
,as hydralazine (Apresoline) and nitroprusside may be needed to
reduce hypertension.
◉The nurse is assessing a 10-day-old infant for dehydration. Which
finding indicates severe dehydration? Answer: Tenting of skin
Explanation:
Tenting of skin is an indicator of severe dehydration. Soft and flat
fontanels indicate mild dehydration. Pale and slightly dry mucosa
indicates mild or moderate dehydration. Blood pressure of 80/42
mm Hg is a normal finding for an infant.
◉The labor and delivery nurse is caring for a mother who has
demonstrated polyhydramnios upon delivery. The newborn displays
copious, frothy bubbles of mucus in the mouth and nose, as well as
drooling. The nurse is concerned that the infant has what disorder?
Answer: Esophageal atresia
Explanation:
Esophageal atresia refers to a congenitally interrupted esophagus
where the proximal and distal ends do not communicate; the upper
esophageal segment ends in a blind pouch and the lower segment
ends a variable distance above the diaphragm. Polyhydramnios is
often the first sign of esophageal atresia because the fetus cannot
swallow and absorb amniotic fluid in utero, leading to accumulation.
Omphalocele and gastroschisis are congenital anomalies of the
, anterior abdominal wall. Hiatal hernia involves a weakened
diaphragm.
◉The nurse is caring for a newborn following delivery who has been
diagnosed with gastroschisis. Which actions by the nurse indicated
knowledge of appropriate care for this disorder? Answer: -The
nurse assesses the color of the newborns abdominal organs
-The nurse places the newborn in a radiant warmer to maintain the
newborn's temperature
-The nurse closely monitors the hydration status of the newborn for
signs of dehydration
Explanation:
Gastroschisis is a herniation of the abdominal contents through an
abdominal wall defect, usually to the left or right of the
umbilicus.Gastroschisis differs from omphalocele in that there is no
peritoneal sac protecting the herniated organs. The color of the
protruding organs should be assessed to determine if perfusion is
sufficient. The contents should be covered with a sterile, rather than
a clean, dressing. Temperature regulation is compromised with the
open abdominal wall so a radiant warmer is imperative. The parents
should be encouraged to touch and spend time with the newborn to
facilitate bonding. IV fluid will be ordered to prevent dehydration so
close monitoring of the hydration status is imperative.
