LPN Final Exam Review: Pediatric Conditions & Nursing Care

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering pediatric cardiac, infectious, neurological, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and hematologic disorders based on the LPN Final Exam Study Guide.

Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow

A hemodynamic state where a left-to-right shunt sends too much blood to the lungs, resulting in signs of heart failure (examples include ASD, VSD, and PDA).

Decreased Pulmonary Blood Flow

A hemodynamic state where too little blood is sent to the lungs, characterized by low oxygen levels and cyanosis (examples include TOF and tricuspid atresia).

Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)

A congenital heart defect characterized by a hole between the two ventricles; manifests with a loud murmur at the left sternal border, tachypnea, lethargy, sweating or crying during feeds, and heart failure signs.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A congenital condition where a fetal vessel between the pulmonary artery and aorta remains open after birth; manifests with a continuous machine-like murmur, bounding pulses, wide pulse pressure, crackles, dyspnea, and failure to thrive.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)

A congenital heart defect consisting of four anomalies: Pulmonary stenosis, Right ventricular hypertrophy, Overriding aorta, and VSD (PROV).

Tet Spell

A sudden worsening of cyanosis and hypoxia in Tetralogy of Fallot, often occurring during crying or feeding, where the nursing priority is placing the child in the knee-chest position and calling for help.

Coarctation of the Aorta

A narrowing of the aorta that obstructs blood flow to the lower body; manifests with high blood pressure and bounding pulses in the arms, alongside low blood pressure and weak or absent femoral pulses in the legs.

Kawasaki Disease

An inflammatory condition characterized by prolonged fever above $102^{\circ}\text{F}$ lasting 1–2 weeks, red eyes, tongue changes, red palms/soles, enlarged lymph nodes, and peeling of palms and soles; treated with IVIG and high-dose aspirin.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis presenting as latent TB (asymptomatic) or active TB (manifesting with fatigue, low-grade fever, night sweats, weight loss, and a cough lasting longer than 3 weeks that may yield blood-streaked sputum).

Mantoux Test

A diagnostic skin test for tuberculosis that is evaluated 48–72 hours after placement by measuring the millimeters of induration rather than the area of redness.

Seizures

Sudden uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain that may cause jerking, changes in awareness, or altered responsiveness; nursing care includes injury prevention, side-lying positioning, and never placing objects in the mouth.

Meningitis

Inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord manifesting with fever, vomiting, stiff neck, irritability, seizures, altered level of consciousness, and positive Kernig and Brudzinski signs; requires immediate droplet precautions.

Celiac Disease

An autoimmune reaction to foods containing gluten (manifesting with diarrhea, constipation, or fatty stools) that requires strict avoidance of Wheat, Barley, and Rye (WBR).

Cleft Lip

A congenital condition involving an opening in the upper lip due to incomplete fusion; managed postoperatively by cleaning the incision, applying prescribed ointment, and protecting the repaired site.

Cleft Palate

A congenital defect characterized by an opening in the roof of the mouth due to incomplete fusion; nursing care involves specialized bottles, upright feeding, side-lying post-op positioning, and avoiding pacifiers or nipple sucking.

Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

A condition in which stomach contents flow backward into the esophagus causing spitting up or vomiting after feeds; typically resolves by age one and is managed with small frequent feeds, burping, and upright positioning for 30 minutes after feeding.

Intussusception

A condition where one segment of bowel telescopes inside another, posing a significant risk for intestinal obstruction.

Pyloric Stenosis

A condition in which thickening of the pyloric muscle narrows the stomach outlet; manifests as projectile vomiting with continued hunger, dehydration, and a palpable olive-shaped mass in the right upper abdomen.

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix characterized by right-lower-quadrant pain at McBurney point, a rigid abdomen, and reduced or absent bowel sounds.

Tonsillectomy

The surgical removal of the tonsils; postoperative care requires monitoring for bleeding as a priority concern, providing a clear liquid diet, and strictly avoiding red-colored liquids.

Vaso-occlusive Crisis

A complication of sickle cell anemia where abnormal hemoglobin S causes red cells to sickle and occlude blood flow, causing severe pain and potential tissue injury; triggered by dehydration, infection, stress, and low oxygen.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

A genetic condition caused by a CFTR gene defect that produces thick secretions affecting both the respiratory system (airway mucus) and digestive system (pancreatic insufficiency).

Spina Bifida

A congenital neural tube defect evaluated under the classifications of spina bifida occulta, meningocele, and myelomeningocele.