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. 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.

3. Which is the most frequently used test for measuring visual acuity?

• A. Snellen letter chart
• B. Ishihara vision test
• C. Allen picture card test
• D. Denver eye screening test

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Snellen letter chart is the most commonly used test for measuring visual acuity, particularly in school-age children and adults.

4. When should a child receive the first dose of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine if the mother is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) negative?

• A. 2 months of age, before hospital discharge.
• B. Birth before discharge from the hospital.
• C. 6 months of age, at the third well-child visit.
• D. No time (this vaccine is not currently recommended).

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If the mother is HBsAg negative, it is recommended that the child receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth before discharge from the hospital. This is to provide early protection against the hepatitis B virus. The second dose of the vaccine is typically given at the first well-child visit, and the third dose is usually administered at a later date. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics govern the recommendations for immunization, including the hepatitis B virus vaccine. Choice A is incorrect as the first dose should ideally be given at birth. Choice C is incorrect as waiting until 6 months of age may leave the child vulnerable to infection during the early months of life. Choice D is incorrect as the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns, especially if the mother is HBsAg negative, to prevent transmission of the virus.

5. A 4-month-old infant is discharged home after surgery for the repair of a cleft lip. What should instructions to the parents include?

• A. Provide crib toys for distraction
• B. Breast- or bottle-feeding can begin immediately
• C. Give pain medication to the infant to minimize crying
• D. Leave the infant in the crib at all times to prevent suture strain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is essential postoperatively to reduce crying, which could place strain on the surgical site. Feeding and holding the infant are allowed, but care should be taken to avoid placing pressure on the suture line.

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