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 preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?

• A. "We will give you your shot when your mommy comes back."
• B. "I will wipe your skin with a magic wipe and then hold the needle like this and say one, two, three, go and give you your shot. Are you ready?"
• C. "It is all right to cry. After we are done, you can go to the box and pick out your favorite sticker."
• D. "This is a magic sword that will give you your medicine and make you all better."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the child's feelings, provides clear instructions, and offers comfort and rewards to help the child cope with the procedure. Choice A is not appropriate as it may create anxiety about the injection. Choice B uses the term 'magic,' which may confuse the child and lead to fear. Choice D introduces a fantasy element that may not be beneficial in preparing the child for the injection.

3. A major reason for the development of respiratory distress syndrome in the preterm infant is:

• A. Excessive surfactant
• B. Lack of surfactant
• C. Immature immune system
• D. Lack of body fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lack of surfactant. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants is primarily due to a lack of surfactant, which is crucial for keeping the lungs inflated. Without adequate surfactant, the alveoli collapse, leading to breathing difficulties. Choice A, Excessive surfactant, is incorrect as RDS is caused by an insufficient amount of surfactant. Choice C, Immature immune system, and Choice D, Lack of body fat, are not directly related to the development of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

4. The school nurse suspects a testicular torsion in a young adolescent student. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Place a warm moist pack on the scrotal area.
• B. Instruct the adolescent to lie down and elevate the legs.
• C. Refer the adolescent for immediate medical evaluation.
• D. Suggest that the adolescent wear a scrotum-protecting guard.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation. Applying heat or elevating the legs will not alleviate the torsion, and delaying care can lead to testicular necrosis.

5. Which reflex, present at birth, is elicited by stroking the sole of the infant's foot, resulting in the fanning of the toes?

• A. Babinski
• B. Moro
• C. Sucking
• D. Rooting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Babinski reflex is the correct answer. This reflex is characterized by the fanning out of the toes when the sole of the foot is stroked. It is a normal reflex in infants and is typically present at birth, disappearing by around 12 months of age. The Moro reflex, which involves the infant's response to a sudden loss of support or a loud noise, is not related to the fanning of toes. Sucking and rooting reflexes are related to feeding behaviors and are not elicited by stroking the sole of the foot.

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