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 shoul
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ATI Nursing Care of Children

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?

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. What disease should be suspected in a 3-day-old infant presenting with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hirschsprung disease should be suspected in a newborn with abdominal distention, vomiting, and failure to pass meconium. This condition arises from a congenital absence of nerve cells in a portion of the colon, leading to severe constipation and intestinal obstruction. Pyloric stenosis typically presents with non-bilious projectile vomiting in the first few weeks of life. Intussusception classically manifests with sudden onset of colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Celiac disease may present with chronic diarrhea, failure to thrive, and abdominal distention but is less likely in this scenario.

3. Ongoing fluid losses can overwhelm the child’s ability to compensate, resulting in shock. What early clinical sign precedes shock?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is an early sign of shock as the body tries to maintain cardiac output in the face of declining circulatory volume. Blood pressure often remains normal until late in the progression, at which point decompensated shock is occurring.

4. What is an appropriate play activity for a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Playing peek-a-boo is an ideal play activity for a 7-month-old as it encourages visual tracking and social interaction, which are key developmental milestones at this age.

5. Which laboratory test would be most important for the nurse to assess when caring for a toddler suspected of having cystic fibrosis?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The sweat chloride test is the primary diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across epithelial cell membranes, leading to increased chloride in sweat. This test is crucial for diagnosing cystic fibrosis in suspected cases. Liver enzymes (Choice A), serum calcium (Choice B), and urine creatinine (Choice D) are not specific tests for cystic fibrosis and would not provide the necessary information for diagnosis in this case.

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