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. What is an appropriate play activity for a 7-month-old infant to encourage visual stimulation?

• A. Playing peek-a-boo
• B. Playing pat-a-cake
• C. Imitating animal sounds
• D. Showing how to clap hands

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Playing peek-a-boo is an ideal play activity for a 7-month-old as it encourages visual tracking and social interaction, which are key developmental milestones at this age.

3. In the newborn, into what muscle is intramuscular vitamin K administered?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Dorsogluteal
• C. Rectus femoris
• D. Vastus lateralis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In newborns, intramuscular vitamin K is traditionally administered into the vastus lateralis muscle. This site is preferred due to its large muscle mass and accessibility. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid site is also not recommended for newborns. The rectus femoris muscle is not commonly used for intramuscular injections in newborns.

4. The nurse needs to take the blood pressure of a small child. Of the cuffs available, one is too large and one is too small. The best nursing action is which?

• A. Use the small cuff
• B. Use the large cuff
• C. Use either cuff using the palpation method
• D. Wait to take the blood pressure until a proper cuff can be located

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is essential to use the correct cuff size for accurate blood pressure readings; if the proper size is not available, it's best to wait until it can be obtained.

5. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

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