a child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso occlusive crisis what is the most important nursing interventio
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Pediatrics HESI 2023

1. A child with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital with a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important nursing intervention?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, the priority nursing intervention is administering pain medication to alleviate the severe pain associated with the crisis. While administering oxygen can help improve oxygenation, pain relief is crucial in managing the crisis. Monitoring fluid intake is important in sickle cell anemia but is not the most immediate intervention during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Encouraging physical activity is contraindicated during a vaso-occlusive crisis as it can exacerbate pain and complications.

2. A 7-month-old girl is to be catheterized to obtain a sterile urine specimen. One of the infant’s parents expresses fear that this procedure may traumatize the baby psychologically. How should the nurse provide reassurance?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: While catheterization can be uncomfortable, it does not typically result in long-term psychological harm, and obtaining a sterile specimen is important for accurate diagnosis.

3. A nurse is evaluating a 3-year-old child’s developmental progress. The inability to perform which task indicates to the nurse that there is a developmental delay?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Copying a square. At 3 years old, children should be able to copy a square as part of their fine motor skill development. The inability to perform this task may indicate a developmental delay in fine motor skills. Choice B, hopping on one foot, typically develops around 4-5 years of age, so it is not a reliable indicator of a delay at 3. Choice C, catching a ball reliably, involves coordination skills that develop later in childhood, making it less relevant for a 3-year-old assessment. Choice D, using a spoon effectively, is more related to self-care and feeding skills rather than fine motor development, so it is not the best indicator of a developmental delay in this context.

4. A newborn with an anorectal anomaly had an anoplasty performed. At the 2-week follow-up visit, a series of anal dilations is begun. What should the nurse recommend to the parents to help prevent the infant from becoming constipated?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breastfeeding is recommended to help prevent constipation in infants due to the easily digestible nature of breast milk, which often leads to softer stools. Breastfeeding is preferred over formula feeding as it provides optimal nutrition for the infant's digestive system. Choice A, using a soy formula if necessary, may be considered only if there are specific dietary concerns or allergies; however, breast milk is still the preferred option. Choice C, avoiding administering a suppository nightly, is correct as it is not a routine method for preventing constipation in infants and may not be appropriate without medical advice. Choice D, not offering glucose water between feedings, is recommended as it may not address the root cause of constipation and may introduce unnecessary sugar to the infant's diet.

5. Which of the following findings would indicate altered mental status in a small child?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a small child, displaying a lack of attention to the EMT-B's presence would indicate altered mental status. This behavior suggests a diminished level of consciousness or awareness, which is concerning. Recognizing the parents (Choice A) is a normal and expected behavior for a child. Showing fright at the EMT-B's presence (Choice B) may indicate fear or anxiety but not necessarily altered mental status. Maintaining consistent eye contact with the EMT-B (Choice D) may indicate engagement or curiosity rather than altered mental status.

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