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. The nurse is administering the first hepatitis A vaccine to an 18-month-old child. When should the child return to the clinic for the second dose of hepatitis A vaccination?

• A. After 2 months
• B. After 3 months
• C. After 4 months
• D. After 6 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The second dose of the hepatitis A vaccine is recommended 6 months after the first dose to ensure full immunity.

3. A 14-year-old with chronic renal failure suddenly becomes non-compliant with the medication regimen. Which nursing intervention would most likely improve compliance?

• A. Give the child a computer-animated game that presents information on the management of chronic renal failure.
• B. Set up a meeting with some older teens who have chronic renal failure and have been managing their disease effectively.
• C. Arrange for a physician to sit down and talk to the child about the risks related to noncompliance with medications.
• D. Discuss with the child’s parents that privileges, such as a cell phone, can be taken away if compliance fails to improve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adolescents often seek guidance and support from their peers. Setting up a meeting with older teens who are effectively managing chronic renal failure can provide the 14-year-old with motivation, encouragement, and practical advice on how to handle their treatment regimen. This peer support can positively influence the non-compliant adolescent, making choice B the most likely intervention to improve compliance. Choices A and C may not address the peer influence aspect of adolescent behavior, while choice D focuses on punitive measures rather than addressing the underlying reasons for non-compliance.

4. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has scrotal edema?

• A. Place an ice pack on the scrotal area.
• B. Place the child in an upright sitting position.
• C. Elevate the scrotum with a rolled washcloth.
• D. Place a warm moist pack to the scrotal area.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the scrotum with a rolled washcloth helps reduce edema by promoting fluid drainage. Ice packs are not recommended due to the risk of frostbite, and warm moist packs are not typically used for this purpose. An upright position does not specifically address the edema.

5. The nurse is teaching parents about diarrhea in young children. A parent asks the nurse what causes most cases of diarrhea in young children. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Rotavirus
• B. Giardia
• C. Shigella
• D. Salmonella

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in young children, particularly those under the age of 2. Giardia, Shigella, and Salmonella can also cause diarrhea, but in the context of young children, Rotavirus is the primary pathogen responsible for diarrheal illnesses.

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