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 the most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant?

• A. Allow formula to flow by gravity
• B. Avoid allowing the infant to suck on the tube
• C. Insert the tube through the nares instead of the mouth
• D. Apply gentle pressure to the syringe to deliver the formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant is to allow the formula to flow by gravity. This method helps prevent overfeeding and aspiration, which can occur if the formula is delivered too quickly under pressure. Choice B is incorrect as sucking on the tube can cause complications. Choice C is incorrect as the tube is typically inserted through the mouth. Choice D is incorrect as steady pressure can lead to rapid delivery of the formula, increasing the risk of complications.

3. What is the most common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants?

• A. Projectile vomiting
• B. Bilious vomiting
• C. Frequent spitting up
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Frequent spitting up is indeed a common symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants. It is caused by the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus, leading to infants regurgitating milk or formula shortly after feeding. Projectile vomiting (choice A) is more commonly associated with conditions like pyloric stenosis rather than gastroesophageal reflux. Bilious vomiting (choice B) often indicates an obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea (choice D) is not typically a primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux in infants.

4. The nurse is admitting a child with severe isotonic dehydration. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate the doctor to order initially to replace fluids?

• A. 0.9% normal saline
• B. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline
• C. D5W
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of severe isotonic dehydration, the initial fluid of choice is 0.9% normal saline. This solution is preferred because it helps to restore both fluids and electrolytes effectively. Options B, C, and D are not suitable for the initial management of severe isotonic dehydration. D5 0.2% (1/4) normal saline (Choice B) is a hypotonic solution and might worsen the imbalance. D5W (Choice C) is a hypotonic solution that does not contain electrolytes essential for rehydration. Albumin (Choice D) is a colloid solution used for specific indications like hypoproteinemia or hypoalbuminemia, not for initial rehydration in severe dehydration.

5. What interventions should be implemented to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

• A. Avoid cleaning the skin
• B. Bathe the infant with sterile water
• C. Cleanse the skin with a gentle alkaline-based soap and water
• D. Thoroughly rinse the skin with plain water after bathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks is to bathe the infant with sterile water. Bathing with sterile water or a neutral pH solution is recommended to protect the delicate skin of preterm infants, which is more permeable and prone to damage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as avoiding cleaning the skin may lead to hygiene issues, cleansing with alkaline-based soap can be harsh on the delicate skin, and thoroughly rinsing with plain water after bathing may not be as gentle and protective for preterm infants.

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