Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurse is caring for a child who had a tonsillectomy. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse observe the child for in the postoperative period?

• A. Arrhythmias
• B. Increased swallowing
• C. Increased blood sugar
• D. Increased urinary output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Increased swallowing can indicate bleeding at the surgical site, which is a potential complication after tonsillectomy. Choice A, Arrhythmias, are not typically associated with tonsillectomy. Choice C, Increased blood sugar, is not a common clinical manifestation after a tonsillectomy. Choice D, Increased urinary output, is not a typical clinical manifestation to observe for in the postoperative period after a tonsillectomy.

3. What is a priority intervention for an infant with a temporary colostomy for Hirschsprung disease?

• A. Teaching how to irrigate the colostomy
• B. Protecting the skin around the colostomy
• C. Discussing the implications of a colostomy during puberty
• D. Using simple, straightforward language to prepare the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Protecting the skin around the colostomy is crucial to prevent irritation and infection, which are common complications in infants with colostomies. Teaching and discussing long-term implications are important but secondary to immediate skin care needs.

4. What intervention is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Apply cold compresses
• C. Restrict fluids
• D. Encourage bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial during a sickle cell crisis in a child as it helps to prevent further sickling of cells. Oxygen therapy can improve oxygen saturation levels, reducing the risk of tissue damage and complications. Applying cold compresses (choice B) is not recommended as it can potentially worsen vaso-occlusive crisis by causing vasoconstriction. Restricting fluids (choice C) is not appropriate as hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain adequate blood flow. Encouraging bed rest (choice D) may be necessary but administering oxygen takes precedence in managing a sickle cell crisis.

5. What approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

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