Nursing Elites

1. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

2. After surgery yesterday for gastroesophageal reflux, the nurse finds that the infant has somehow removed the nasogastric (NG) tube. What nursing action is most appropriate to perform at this time?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Insert a new NG tube for feedings.
• C. Replace the NG tube to maintain gastric decompression.
• D. Leave the NG tube out as it may have been in long enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately. This is important as the removal of the NG tube can disrupt postoperative care, especially in terms of maintaining gastric decompression. Inserting a new NG tube without practitioner direction can be unsafe and is not within the nurse's scope of practice. Similarly, replacing the NG tube or leaving it out should be decided by the healthcare provider to ensure the infant's safety and appropriate postoperative care.

3. A mother delivers an infant at 30 weeks gestation and asks if formula is better than breast milk since the baby is premature. What should the nurse respond?

• A. Human milk is preferred over other types of nutrition
• B. Human milk lacks essential nutrients for preterm infants
• C. Commercial infant formulas are preferred for preterm infants
• D. Commercial formulas have not been designed to meet preterm infants' needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Human milk is preferred, even for preterm infants, because it contains essential nutrients and antibodies that are particularly beneficial for their growth and development. Choice B is incorrect because human milk is rich in essential nutrients necessary for preterm infants. Choice C is incorrect as commercial infant formulas do not provide the same benefits as human milk. Choice D is incorrect as specialized formulas are available to meet the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, but human milk remains the optimal choice.

4. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

5. The nurse is preparing to admit a 5-year-old child with hepatitis A. What clinical features of hepatitis A should the nurse recognize?

• A. The onset is rapid.
• B. Fever occurs early.
• C. All are applicable
• D. Nausea and vomiting are common.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hepatitis A typically presents with a rapid onset, early fever, and nausea/vomiting. These are common clinical features seen in patients with hepatitis A. A pruritic rash is not commonly associated with hepatitis A, so choice C is incorrect. Choice A and B alone are not sufficient to cover all the clinical features of hepatitis A.

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