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. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

3. Which factor is most likely to cause a "brittle" diabetic state in a child with type 1 diabetes?

• A. Noncompliance with diet
• B. Insulin resistance
• C. Frequent infections
• D. Hypothyroidism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent infections can destabilize blood sugar levels, leading to a "brittle" diabetic state in children with type 1 diabetes. Infections increase metabolic demands and can result in significant blood glucose fluctuations, requiring careful monitoring and adjustment of insulin therapy. Noncompliance with diet may affect blood sugar control but is not the primary cause of a "brittle" state. Insulin resistance is more common in type 2 diabetes rather than type 1. Hypothyroidism can impact metabolism but is not directly linked to the development of a "brittle" diabetic state in type 1 diabetes.

4. What is the number one leading cause of death in children over 1 year of age?

• A. Congenital anomalies
• B. Homicide
• C. Suicide
• D. Accidents

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Accidents, such as motor vehicle accidents, drowning, and falls, are the primary cause of death in children over 1 year of age. While congenital anomalies can be a significant cause of mortality in infants, they are less common in older children. Homicide and suicide are serious issues but are not as prevalent as accidents in causing death among children over 1 year of age.

5. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Bilious vomiting
• C. Frequent spitting up
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent spitting up is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is caused by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to infants regurgitating milk or formula shortly after feeding. Projectile vomiting (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis rather than gastroesophageal reflux. Bilious vomiting (choice B) often indicates an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea (choice D) is not typically a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

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