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 congenital heart defect causes a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray?

• A. Tetralogy of Fallot
• B. Coarctation of the aorta
• C. Transposition of the great arteries
• D. Ventricular septal defect

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tetralogy of Fallot. Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect with four distinct abnormalities, often presents with a "boot-shaped" heart on chest x-ray due to right ventricular hypertrophy. This characteristic finding is due to the specific combination of defects in this condition. Coarctation of the aorta (choice B), Transposition of the great arteries (choice C), and Ventricular septal defect (choice D) do not typically result in a "boot-shaped" heart on a chest x-ray like Tetralogy of Fallot does.

3. What is often the initial sign of acute rheumatic fever in children?

• A. Polyarthritis
• B. Carditis
• C. Erythema marginatum
• D. Sydenham chorea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polyarthritis is indeed frequently the initial sign of acute rheumatic fever in children. It presents as joint pain, swelling, and redness. Carditis (inflammation of the heart), Erythema marginatum (a skin rash), and Sydenham chorea (involuntary muscle movements) are typically seen in the later stages of acute rheumatic fever and not as the initial sign.

4. What recommendation should the nurse make to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young girls?

• A. Avoid public toilet facilities
• B. Limit long baths as much as possible
• C. Cleanse the perineum with water after voiding
• D. Ensure clear liquid intake of 2 L/day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Proper perineal hygiene, including cleansing with water after voiding, is crucial in preventing UTIs in young girls. Avoiding public toilets and limiting baths are less effective than proper hygiene practices.

5. During a well-child checkup, the parent of a 5-year-old child reports the child seems much smaller than the 2 older siblings did at this same age. A review of the medical record reveals that the child is 44 inches tall and weighs 42 pounds. What information should be included in the response by the nurse?

• A. The weight of your child at this time is within normal limits for this age but the child is moderately taller than other children this age.
• B. Your child is within the acceptable range for height but the child is significantly smaller in weight for this age.
• C. Your child is within normal limits for weight but the child is slightly shorter in stature than other children this age.
• D. Your child is slightly taller than other children this age but the child’s weight is normal.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The child is slightly taller than average, but the weight is within normal limits. This information should be reassuring to the parent and provides insights into normal growth patterns. Choice A is incorrect as it inaccurately states that the child is taller than other children this age. Choice B is incorrect because the child's weight is actually within normal limits. Choice C is incorrect as it inaccurately states that the child is shorter in stature than other children this age.

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