Paediatric Cardiac MCQs for Nursing Exams

Answer: A. 3 months

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome – underdeveloped left ventricle with mitral/aortic atresia; CCF within the first days to weeks of life, always before 3 months; very poor prognosis.

Answer: A. Hold the dose and notify the provider

Digoxin is usually held when a child's apical pulse is below about 70; the provider is notified.

Answer: D. Conjunctival hyperemia

Kawasaki disease, also known as mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an acute systemic inflammatory illness. In the acute stage, the child has a fever, conjunctival hyperemia, red throat, swollen hands, rash, and enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes. In the subacute stage, cracking lips and fissures, desquamation of the skin on the tips of the fingers and toes, joint pain, cardiac manifestations, and thrombocytosis occur. In the convalescent stage, the child appears normal, but signs of inflammation may be present.

Answer: D. Chorea

Diagnosis of rheumatic fever – 2 major, or 1 major + 2 minor criteria, plus evidence of preceding streptococcal infection; chorea alone is enough once other causes are excluded.

Answer: D. Blend your approach to her level of development so that she can understand.

Preoperative teaching should match the child's developmental level; a 5-year-old understands simple, concrete explanations, play and dolls. Teaching close to the procedure works best for preschoolers, who have a limited sense of time.