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 effective method to prevent infection in the newborn?

• A. Using disposable items
• B. Practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family
• C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
• D. Isolating the newborn from others

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most effective method to prevent infection in newborns is by practicing proper hand hygiene by staff and family. This is crucial as it helps reduce the transmission of infectious agents, protecting vulnerable newborns. Using disposable items may help, but proper hand hygiene is more effective. Administering prophylactic antibiotics without a specific indication can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended. Isolating the newborn from others is not practical and may not be necessary if proper hand hygiene is maintained.

3. A child has a central venous access device for intravenous (IV) fluid administration. A blood sample is needed for a complete blood count, hemogram, and electrolytes. What is the appropriate procedure to implement for this blood sample?

• A. Perform a new venipuncture to obtain the blood sample.
• B. Interrupt the IV fluid and withdraw the blood sample needed.
• C. Withdraw a blood sample equal to the amount of fluid in the device, discard, and then withdraw the sample needed.
• D. Flush the line and central venous device with saline and then aspirate the required amount of blood for the sample.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Withdrawing and discarding a sample equal to the amount of fluid in the device ensures that the blood drawn is not diluted by the IV fluids, providing accurate lab results.

4. The clinic nurse is instructing parents about caring for a toddler with ascariasis (common roundworm). Which statement made by the parents indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. We will wash our hands often, especially after diaper changes
• B. We know that roundworm can be transmitted from person to person
• C. We will be sure to continue the nitazoxanide (Alinia) orally for 3 days
• D. We will bring a stool sample to the clinic for examination in 2 weeks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Roundworm (ascariasis) is typically transmitted through ingestion of contaminated soil, not directly from person to person. This statement indicates a misunderstanding requiring clarification.

5. The nurse is caring for a patient from a culture unfamiliar to the local area. The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with the family is to:

• A. Explain that the child must now be cared for differently
• B. Speak in the language most used by the staff and encourage the family to learn it
• C. Be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs
• D. Insist that the family changes their beliefs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way for a culturally competent nurse to interact with a family from an unfamiliar culture is to be respectful and open-minded when discussing beliefs. This approach demonstrates cultural competence by honoring and valuing the family's beliefs and practices. Choice A is incorrect as it disregards the family's cultural practices without understanding them. Choice B is not the best approach as it focuses on language rather than respecting beliefs. Choice D is inappropriate as it goes against the principles of cultural competence by imposing beliefs on the family.

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