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. A major reason for the development of respiratory distress syndrome in the preterm infant is:

• A. Excessive surfactant
• B. Lack of surfactant
• C. Immature immune system
• D. Lack of body fat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lack of surfactant. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants is primarily due to a lack of surfactant, which is crucial for keeping the lungs inflated. Without adequate surfactant, the alveoli collapse, leading to breathing difficulties. Choice A, Excessive surfactant, is incorrect as RDS is caused by an insufficient amount of surfactant. Choice C, Immature immune system, and Choice D, Lack of body fat, are not directly related to the development of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

3. In general, how much is a child that was 10 pounds at birth expected to weigh at 6 months old?

• A. Double = 20 lbs
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child is expected to double their birth weight by 6 months. This is a common guideline used to monitor healthy growth and development in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the expected weight based on the given information.

4. By which age should the nurse expect that an infant will be able to pull to a standing position?

• A. 5 to 6 months
• B. 7 to 8 months
• C. 11 to 12 months
• D. 14 to 15 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pulling to a standing position typically occurs between 11 to 12 months, marking the progression towards walking.

5. The nurse is teaching parents about potential causes of colic in infancy. Which should the nurse include in the teaching session?

• A. Overeating
• B. All are applicable
• C. Frequent burping
• D. Parental smoking

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Overeating, swallowing excessive air (leading to frequent burping), and parental smoking are known to contribute to colic in infants. Understimulation is not typically associated with colic.

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