PID 302 – Pediatric Infectious Diseases in
Nursing ACTUAL UPDATED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Describe the common components of an infectious-disease focused history and why each is
important.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A focused history includes onset and pattern of fever, recent exposures (sick contacts, travel,
animal contacts), vaccination status, recent antibiotic use, and underlying medical conditions
or immunocompromise. Each element helps narrow the differential — exposures and travel
suggest specific pathogens, vaccination gaps increase risk for vaccine-preventable infections,
and immunosuppression widens the range of opportunistic organisms. Medication and allergy
history guides safe antimicrobial choices. A clear history also informs isolation needs and
public-health reporting.
Explain how to perform a focused infectious-disease physical exam in a child.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A focused exam systematically evaluates vital signs (including fever patterns), skin (rashes,
petechiae), mucous membranes, lymph nodes, ear/nose/throat, chest, abdomen, and
neurologic status. Pay attention to hydration status, respiratory effort, and perfusion because
infections can progress quickly in children. Inspect rashes carefully (distribution, blanching,
vesicles) and examine fontanelles in infants for bulging. Frequent reassessment documents
progression or response to treatment.
Discuss the initial evaluation and nursing priorities for a febrile infant under 28 days.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A neonate with fever requires urgent evaluation because sepsis can present nonspecifically.
Nursing priorities include prompt triage, secure IV/IO access, obtaining
blood/urine/cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and initiating empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics per
institutional protocols. Monitor vital signs, glucose, and perfusion closely while coordinating
with the medical team. Clear communication with caregivers about the need for invasive tests
and possible admission helps reduce anxiety.
Explain indications for isolation precautions (standard, contact, droplet, airborne) in pediatric
settings.
, CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Isolation choice depends on the organism and route of transmission: contact precautions for
MRSA or RSV, droplet for pertussis or influenza, airborne for measles or varicella (when
airborne spread is possible), while standard precautions apply universally for blood/body
fluid exposure risk. Nurses must implement the correct PPE, room placement (single room or
cohorting), and environmental cleaning procedures to prevent nosocomial spread. Education
of staff and families about rationale increases compliance. Timely identification and correct
isolation reduce outbreaks.
Describe nursing management and complications to watch for in a child with bacterial
meningitis.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Nursing management includes rapid neurologic assessment, initiation of empiric IV
antibiotics and adjunctive therapies as ordered (e.g., dexamethasone when indicated), fluid
and electrolyte monitoring, seizure precautions, and maintenance of airway/oxygenation.
Watch for increased intracranial pressure, seizures, hemodynamic instability, and hearing loss
as potential complications. Early notification of public-health authorities for prophylaxis to
contacts may be required. Provide family support and clear explanations about prognosis and
interventions.
Explain recognition and nursing care for viral encephalitis in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅**
Viral encephalitis often presents with fever, altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits,
and seizures. Nursing care focuses on airway protection, seizure control, intracranial pressure
monitoring, and supportive measures such as hydration and temperature control while
awaiting diagnostic testing (CSF PCR, neuroimaging). Observe for deterioration and
coordinate antiviral therapy when indicated (e.g., acyclovir for suspected HSV). Family
education regarding potential long-term neurologic sequelae and rehabilitation needs is
essential.
Discuss assessment and nursing actions for a child suspected of having sepsis.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Assessment includes recognizing abnormal vital signs for age, perfusion changes (capillary
refill, cool extremities), altered mental status, decreased urine output, and lab markers
(lactate, CBC). Nurses prioritize rapid IV/IO access, blood cultures, prompt administration of
empiric antibiotics and fluid resuscitation per sepsis protocols, and continuous monitoring of
response. Early escalation to higher-level care if the child is fluid-refractory is critical.
Document timing of interventions and keep families informed throughout.
Nursing ACTUAL UPDATED
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
Describe the common components of an infectious-disease focused history and why each is
important.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A focused history includes onset and pattern of fever, recent exposures (sick contacts, travel,
animal contacts), vaccination status, recent antibiotic use, and underlying medical conditions
or immunocompromise. Each element helps narrow the differential — exposures and travel
suggest specific pathogens, vaccination gaps increase risk for vaccine-preventable infections,
and immunosuppression widens the range of opportunistic organisms. Medication and allergy
history guides safe antimicrobial choices. A clear history also informs isolation needs and
public-health reporting.
Explain how to perform a focused infectious-disease physical exam in a child.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A focused exam systematically evaluates vital signs (including fever patterns), skin (rashes,
petechiae), mucous membranes, lymph nodes, ear/nose/throat, chest, abdomen, and
neurologic status. Pay attention to hydration status, respiratory effort, and perfusion because
infections can progress quickly in children. Inspect rashes carefully (distribution, blanching,
vesicles) and examine fontanelles in infants for bulging. Frequent reassessment documents
progression or response to treatment.
Discuss the initial evaluation and nursing priorities for a febrile infant under 28 days.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
A neonate with fever requires urgent evaluation because sepsis can present nonspecifically.
Nursing priorities include prompt triage, secure IV/IO access, obtaining
blood/urine/cerebrospinal fluid cultures, and initiating empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics per
institutional protocols. Monitor vital signs, glucose, and perfusion closely while coordinating
with the medical team. Clear communication with caregivers about the need for invasive tests
and possible admission helps reduce anxiety.
Explain indications for isolation precautions (standard, contact, droplet, airborne) in pediatric
settings.
, CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Isolation choice depends on the organism and route of transmission: contact precautions for
MRSA or RSV, droplet for pertussis or influenza, airborne for measles or varicella (when
airborne spread is possible), while standard precautions apply universally for blood/body
fluid exposure risk. Nurses must implement the correct PPE, room placement (single room or
cohorting), and environmental cleaning procedures to prevent nosocomial spread. Education
of staff and families about rationale increases compliance. Timely identification and correct
isolation reduce outbreaks.
Describe nursing management and complications to watch for in a child with bacterial
meningitis.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Nursing management includes rapid neurologic assessment, initiation of empiric IV
antibiotics and adjunctive therapies as ordered (e.g., dexamethasone when indicated), fluid
and electrolyte monitoring, seizure precautions, and maintenance of airway/oxygenation.
Watch for increased intracranial pressure, seizures, hemodynamic instability, and hearing loss
as potential complications. Early notification of public-health authorities for prophylaxis to
contacts may be required. Provide family support and clear explanations about prognosis and
interventions.
Explain recognition and nursing care for viral encephalitis in children.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅**
Viral encephalitis often presents with fever, altered mental status, focal neurologic deficits,
and seizures. Nursing care focuses on airway protection, seizure control, intracranial pressure
monitoring, and supportive measures such as hydration and temperature control while
awaiting diagnostic testing (CSF PCR, neuroimaging). Observe for deterioration and
coordinate antiviral therapy when indicated (e.g., acyclovir for suspected HSV). Family
education regarding potential long-term neurologic sequelae and rehabilitation needs is
essential.
Discuss assessment and nursing actions for a child suspected of having sepsis.
CORRECT ANSWERS ✅✅
Assessment includes recognizing abnormal vital signs for age, perfusion changes (capillary
refill, cool extremities), altered mental status, decreased urine output, and lab markers
(lactate, CBC). Nurses prioritize rapid IV/IO access, blood cultures, prompt administration of
empiric antibiotics and fluid resuscitation per sepsis protocols, and continuous monitoring of
response. Early escalation to higher-level care if the child is fluid-refractory is critical.
Document timing of interventions and keep families informed throughout.
