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. Which is a complication that can occur after abdominal surgery if pain is not managed?

• A. Atelectasis
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Decrease in heart rate
• D. Increase in cardiac output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Poorly managed pain after abdominal surgery can lead to complications like atelectasis due to shallow breathing, which may occur if the child avoids deep breaths because of pain.

3. A child has a nasogastric (NG) tube after surgery for Hirschsprung disease. What is the purpose of the NG tube?

• A. Prevent the spread of infection.
• B. Monitor electrolyte balance.
• C. Prevent abdominal distention.
• D. Maintain accurate records of output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of an NG tube post-surgery for Hirschsprung disease is to prevent abdominal distention by decompressing the stomach and intestines. This helps prevent complications and promotes healing.

4. An important role of the nurse in ambulatory settings and schools is the identification of communicable diseases for treatment and the prevention of spread. What is an important component related to the first period of the contagiousness of disease?

• A. Source
• B. Causative agent
• C. Prodromal stage
• D. Constitutional symptoms

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The prodromal period is the interval between the early manifestations of the disease and the time when the overt clinical syndrome is evident. Most communicable diseases are contagious during this time. Identifying the prodromal stage is crucial for early intervention and preventing the spread of the disease. While the source and causative agent are important aspects of disease control, recognizing the early signs in the prodromal stage allows the nurse to take timely actions. Constitutional symptoms occur during the active disease phase, indicating that the child has already been contagious, and early intervention opportunities may have passed.

5. The nurse is taking a health history of an adolescent. Which best describes how the chief complaint should be determined?

• A. Request a detailed listing of symptoms.
• B. Ask the adolescent, "Why did you come here today?"
• C. Interview the parent away from the adolescent to determine the chief complaint
• D. Use what the adolescent says to determine, in correct medical terminology, what the problem is

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asking the adolescent directly about the reason for their visit encourages open communication and helps the nurse understand the primary concern from the patient's perspective.

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