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. Pretending a sheet is a cape to mimic a superhero is characteristic of which childhood phenomenon?

• A. Artificialism
• B. Symbolic functioning
• C. Critical thinking
• D. Dramatic play

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, symbolic functioning. Symbolic functioning refers to children using objects, actions, or ideas to represent other objects, actions, or ideas. In this scenario, pretending a sheet is a cape to mimic a superhero demonstrates the child's ability to engage in symbolic play. Choice A, artificialism, is incorrect as it refers to the belief that inanimate objects have lifelike qualities. Choice C, critical thinking, does not directly relate to the imaginative play described in the question. Choice D, dramatic play, is close but not as precise as symbolic functioning, which specifically highlights the use of objects to represent something else.

3. An 8-year-old girl asks the nurse how the blood pressure apparatus works. The most appropriate nursing action is which?

• A. Ask her why she wants to know.
• B. Determine why she is so anxious.
• C. Explain in simple terms how it works.
• D. Tell her she will see how it works as it is used.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing a simple explanation satisfies the child's curiosity and helps reduce any anxiety about the procedure.

4. What pathologic process is believed to be responsible for the development of postinfectious glomerulonephritis?

• A. Infarction of renal vessels
• B. Immune complex formation and glomerular deposition
• C. Bacterial endotoxin deposition on and destruction of glomeruli
• D. Embolization of glomeruli by bacteria and fibrin from endocardial vegetation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postinfectious glomerulonephritis is typically caused by immune complex deposition in the glomeruli following a streptococcal infection. This immune response leads to inflammation and impaired kidney function.

5. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

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