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. Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. What is a benefit of using an implanted port (e.g., Port-a-Cath)?

• A. You do not need to pierce the skin for access.
• B. It is easy to use for self-administered infusions.
• C. The patient does not need to limit regular physical activity, including swimming.
• D. The catheter cannot dislodge from the port even if the child plays with the port site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implanted ports like the Port-a-Cath are fully implanted under the skin, allowing the child to maintain regular physical activities, including swimming, without the risk of dislodging the catheter. Piercing the skin is still required for access, and self-administration is more complex.

3. The nurse is conducting discharge teaching with the parent of a 7-year-old child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). What statement by the parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. My child needs to stay home from school for at least 1 more month.
• B. I should not add additional salt to any of my child's meals.
• C. My child will not be able to participate in contact sports while receiving corticosteroid therapy.
• D. I should measure my child's urine after each void and report the 24-hour amount to the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding additional salt is crucial to help manage edema in children with MCNS. While monitoring urine output is important, the other statements either misinterpret the need for prolonged school absence or misunderstand the risk associated with contact sports during steroid therapy.

4. What is the appropriate method for measuring the temperature of a 2-day-old neonate?

• A. Tympanic
• B. Oral
• C. Axillary
• D. Rectal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a 2-day-old neonate, the most suitable method to measure temperature is the axillary method. This approach is considered safe and appropriate for neonates, minimizing the risk of injury. Tympanic temperature measurement may not be as accurate in neonates due to their small ear canals. Oral temperature measurement is not recommended for neonates as they may not be able to hold a thermometer properly in their mouths. Rectal temperature measurement is invasive and carries a higher risk of injury and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

5. What should preoperative care of a newborn with an anorectal malformation include?

• A. Frequent suctioning
• B. Gastrointestinal decompression
• C. Feedings with sterile water only
• D. Supine position with head elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preoperative care for a newborn with an anorectal malformation should include feedings with sterile water only. This approach is important to avoid complications before surgery. Gastrointestinal decompression is necessary to prevent abdominal distention and potential aspiration, making choice B incorrect. Frequent suctioning and placing the newborn in a supine position with the head elevated are not typically part of the preoperative care protocol for an anorectal malformation, thus choices A and D are incorrect.

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