Pediatric Health Study Guide Flashcards

400 Practice flashcards based on lecture notes covering pediatric respiratory, cardiac, neurological, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and hematological disorders.

What is the most common childhood cancer according to the study guide?

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Where does Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) originate?

Blood and bone marrow

What specific cells are affected by the genetic mutation in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Immature lymphoid stem cells

What is the term for the abnormal cells in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Lymphoblasts

Why do lymphoblasts interfere with normal blood cell production?

They multiply uncontrollably and crowd the bone marrow

In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a decrease in red blood cells causes which condition?

Anemia

In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a decrease in platelets causes which symptoms?

Increased bleeding and bruising

In Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a decrease in normal white blood cells causes which issue?

Increased susceptibility to infection

What are five areas beyond the bone marrow where leukemia cells may spread?

Lymph nodes, liver, spleen, central nervous system (CNS), and testes

List four clinical manifestations of anemia in pediatric patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Fatigue, weakness, pallor, and shortness of breath

What is the term for a decreased platelet count?

Thrombocytopenia

List four symptoms associated with thrombocytopenia in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients.

Easy bruising, petechiae, prolonged bleeding, and nosebleeds

What term describes a decrease in normal white blood cells (WBCs)?

Neutropenia

List three manifestations of neutropenia in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) patients.

Fever, frequent infections, and delayed healing

What types of pain are common when bone marrow is involved in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Bone pain and joint pain

What is the clinical term for an enlarged liver?

Hepatomegaly

What is the clinical term for an enlarged spleen?

Splenomegaly

What symptoms suggest CNS involvement in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Headache or neurological symptoms

What are three primary diagnostic tests for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Complete Blood Count (CBC), bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and lumbar puncture

What is the purpose of a lumbar puncture in diagnosing Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

To assess CNS involvement

What are common findings in the CBC of a child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Elevated or decreased white blood cell count, anemia, and thrombocytopenia

What is the hallmark cell found in the bone marrow of a child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Lymphoblasts

What is the primary treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

Chemotherapy

What is the first phase of chemotherapy in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) called?

Induction Therapy

What is the goal of Induction Therapy in leukemia treatment?

To destroy most leukemia cells and induce remission

What is the second phase of chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) called?

Consolidation/Intensification Therapy

What is the third phase of chemotherapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and its purpose?

Maintenance Therapy, to prevent relapse

Why is intrathecal chemotherapy used in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment?

To prevent CNS leukemia

Under what circumstance might a child with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) receive a bone marrow transplant?

If they are a high-risk patient

When should a nurse implement neutropenic precautions for a pediatric patient with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)?

When the patient has a low normal white blood cell count and signs of infection exist

What are children more susceptible to because their neurological system is immature at birth?

Seizures and neurological injury

What anatomical structures in infants allow for brain growth?

Open fontanels and cranial sutures

What process, when incomplete, results in slower coordination and motor control in children?

Myelination of nerves

How do children primarily compensate for illness cardiovascularly, unlike adults?

By increasing heart rate rather than stroke volume

Why are normal pediatric heart rates significantly higher than adult heart rates?

Children have smaller hearts and lower blood volume

How does a fetus receive oxygen?

Through the placenta

Which fetal structure bypasses the liver?

Ductus venosus

What is the purpose of the foramen ovale?

To allow blood to flow between the right and left atria

Which fetal structure connects the pulmonary artery to the aorta to bypass the lungs?

Ductus arteriosus

What initiates the closure of fetal circulatory structures?

The newborn taking the first breath and lung expansion

Describe the pediatric tongue in proportion to the airway.

The tongue is proportionally larger

How does the pediatric trachea compare to an adult's?

It is shorter and smaller in diameter

Why are children more vulnerable to airway obstruction from mild swelling?

They have narrower airways and smaller diameters

Why do children have higher respiratory rates and increased oxygen demands?

They have a higher metabolic rate

What is the underlying cause of seizures?

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain

List five common pediatric causes of seizures mentioned in the notes.

Fever (febrile seizures), infections, head injuries, epilepsy, and congenital neurological disorders

In a head injury, what causes the 'primary injury'?

The initial impact

What three factors cause additional damage after a primary head injury?

Swelling, bleeding, and increased intracranial pressure

What is the result of increased intracranial pressure on blood flow to the brain?

Blood flow and oxygen delivery decrease

List four conditions that can lead to visual impairments in children.

Strabismus, amblyopia, congenital cataracts, or refractive errors

Why is early identification of hearing impairment critical?

The first few years of life are essential for language acquisition

What is the genetic cause of Down syndrome?

An extra copy of chromosome $21$ (Trisomy $21$)

List five common characteristics or risks for children with Down syndrome.

Intellectual disabilities, developmental delays, hypotonia, characteristic facial features, and congenital heart defects

Define meningitis.

An inflammation of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord

What are two common infectious causes of meningitis?

Bacterial or viral infections

List six symptoms of meningitis.

Fever, headache, neck stiffness, irritability, seizures, and altered mental status

What rare syndrome is associated with aspirin use during viral illnesses in children?

Reye syndrome

What toxin accumulates in the bloodstream during Reye syndrome?

Ammonia

What does the accumulation of ammonia in Reye syndrome cause in the brain?

Cerebral edema (brain swelling) and increased intracranial pressure

List four symptoms of Reye syndrome.

Vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and seizures

What is the primary pathophysiology of bronchiolitis (RSV)?

Inflammation, edema, and mucus production in the small airways (bronchioles)

List seven clinical manifestations of bronchiolitis.

Wheezing, crackles, tachypnea, nasal flaring, retractions, poor feeding, and respiratory distress

What age group is at risk for bronchiolitis?

Young age ($<\,2\,years$)

List four treatments for bronchiolitis.

Oxygen therapy, hydration, suctioning secretions, and monitoring respiratory status

What is the common name for Laryngotracheobronchitis?

Croup

What anatomical areas are inflamed in croup?

Larynx, trachea, and bronchi

What is the characteristic cough associated with croup?

Barking cough

What respiratory sound is typically heard in croup during inspiration?

Inspiratory stridor

At what time of day does croup respiratory distress typically worsen?

At night

What is the age range at highest risk for croup?

$6\,months$ to $5\,years$

What corticosteroid is commonly used to treat croup?

Dexamethasone

When is nebulized epinephrine indicated for a child with croup?

For severe symptoms

What bacterial infection causes severe inflammation of the flap above the airway?

Epiglottitis

Why is epiglottitis considered a medical emergency?

Swelling can rapidly lead to airway obstruction

List seven clinical manifestations of epiglottitis.

Sudden high fever, severe sore throat, drooling, difficulty swallowing, muffled voice, tripod position, and respiratory distress

What specific vaccination helps prevent epiglottitis?

Hib vaccination

What should be avoided during the examination of a child with suspected epiglottitis?

Throat examination (unless prepared for emergency airway management)

What position is a child with epiglottitis likely to assume to help breathe?

Tripod position

Where does fluid accumulate in pneumonia?

In the alveoli

List six clinical manifestations of pneumonia.

Fever, cough, tachypnea, crackles, chest pain, and decreased oxygen saturation

List three treatments for bacterial pneumonia besides antibiotics.

Fluids, antipyretics, and oxygen therapy

What are six clinical manifestations of Influenza?

Fever, chills, body aches, cough, fatigue, and sore throat

Define asthma.

A chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway inflammation, and increased mucus production

List five common triggers for asthma.

Allergens, exercise, respiratory infections, smoke, or cold air

What type of medication is albuterol in asthma treatment?

Rescue medication (short-acting bronchodilator)

What is the role of inhaled corticosteroids in asthma?

To control inflammation

Which chronic lung disease is commonly seen in premature infants on prolonged oxygen?

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

What is the underlying pathology of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?

Inflammation and scarring from oxygen and ventilator pressure leading to impaired lung growth

List six manifestations of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Tachypnea, increased breathing, retractions, wheezing, hypoxia, and poor weight gain

How is Cystic Fibrosis (CF) inherited?

Autosomal recessive disorder

Which gene is mutated in Cystic Fibrosis?

The CFTR gene

What happens to chloride transport in Cystic Fibrosis?

It is affected across cell membranes

Which three body systems/organs are primarily obstructed by mucus in Cystic Fibrosis?

Lungs, pancreas, and other organs

What is the clinical term for fatty stools seen in Cystic Fibrosis?

Steatorrhea

List six symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis.

Chronic cough, wheezing, frequent respiratory infections, poor growth, steatorrhea, and failure to thrive

What is 'airway clearance therapy' used for in Cystic Fibrosis?

To move thick, sticky mucus out of the lungs

What therapy is required for digestion in children with Cystic Fibrosis?

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy

What is otitis media?

An infection or inflammation of the middle ear

Why do infants with otitis media often have difficulty feeding?

Sucking and swallowing increase pressure in the middle ear

List seven signs and symptoms of otitis media in children.

Ear pain (otalgia), fever, irritability, crying, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, and pulling at the ear