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 LPN is caring for a 1-month-old patient post-surgery. Which pain scale is expected to be used to evaluate post-op pain?

• A. Oucher
• B. Wong-Baker FACES
• C. FLACC
• D. 0-10 pain scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is commonly used to assess pain in infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. This scale is particularly useful in assessing post-operative pain in infants as it evaluates different behaviors and physiological responses to pain. The Oucher scale is more commonly used with children who are older and can provide self-report of pain intensity. Wong-Baker FACES scale is primarily used with children who are older and can indicate their pain level by pointing to facial expressions. The 0-10 pain scale is typically used with older children and adults who can rate their pain on a numerical scale.

3. Which nursing action is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child?

• A. Providing brochures regarding sexuality
• B. Giving clear instructions about details of treatment
• C. Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure
• D. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child. Allowing the child to familiarize themselves with the equipment helps reduce fear and anxiety about the upcoming procedure. Choices A, B, and D are not as appropriate for a school-age child. Providing brochures regarding sexuality is not developmentally appropriate for this age group. Giving clear instructions about treatment details may overwhelm a child of this age. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure is more suitable for younger children.

4. Because children younger than 5 years are egocentric, the nurse should do which when communicating with them?

• A. Focus communication on the child.
• B. Use easy analogies when possible.
• C. Explain experiences of others to the child
• D. Assure the child that communication is private

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Focusing communication directly on the child aligns with their egocentric nature and helps engage them in the conversation.

5. Which condition is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough in children?

• A. Croup
• B. Asthma
• C. Bronchitis
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. Croup is characterized by a 'seal-like' barking cough due to inflammation and narrowing of the upper airways, particularly the larynx and trachea. It is most common in young children and can cause significant respiratory distress, especially at night. Treatment often includes humidified air and corticosteroids. Asthma (choice B) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath, not a barking cough. Bronchitis (choice C) is characterized by productive cough with mucus, not a barking cough. Pneumonia (choice D) often presents with fever, productive cough, and chest pain, not a barking cough.

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