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 school nurse is teaching a group of adolescents about avoiding contaminated water during a mission trip. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Ice
• B. All are applicable
• C. Raw vegetables
• D. Unpeeled fruits

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: All are applicable. Ice, raw vegetables, and unpeeled fruits can be sources of contamination in areas where water purity is questionable. It's safer to avoid these during a mission trip to prevent waterborne illnesses. Choice A (Ice), C (Raw vegetables), and D (Unpeeled fruits) are all potential sources of contamination in areas with questionable water quality. Including all these items in the teaching will help adolescents make informed decisions to stay healthy during their mission trip.

3. The nurse is preparing to care for a newborn with an omphalocele. The nurse should understand that care of the infant should include what intervention?

• A. Initiating breast or bottle-feedings to stabilize the blood glucose level
• B. Maintaining pain management with an intravenous opioid
• C. Covering the intact bowel with a nonadherent dressing to prevent injury
• D. Performing immediate surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority intervention for an infant with an omphalocele is to cover the intact bowel with a nonadherent dressing to protect the exposed organs and prevent infection. This intervention is crucial to prevent injury and maintain the infant's safety. Initiating feedings or maintaining pain management are not the immediate priorities in the care of an infant with an omphalocele. Performing immediate surgery may be required in the future, but initially, covering the bowel is the first critical step in management.

4. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

5. What is the most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis?

• A. Have the child lie flat
• B. Pinch the nose and lean forward
• C. Apply a warm compress to the nose
• D. Encourage deep breathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action for a child with epistaxis is to pinch the nose and lean forward. This technique helps stop the bleeding and prevent aspiration of blood. By applying pressure to the bleeding vessels and allowing the blood to drain out of the nostrils instead of being swallowed, the risk of nausea and airway obstruction is reduced. Having the child lie flat (Choice A) may lead to blood flowing down the throat, causing potential choking. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) is not typically recommended for epistaxis as cold compresses are more effective. Encouraging deep breathing (Choice D) is not directly related to managing epistaxis.

Similar Questions