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 parent of an infant with colic tells the nurse, "All this baby does is scream at me; it is a constant worry." What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Encourage the parent to verbalize feelings.
• B. Encourage the parent not to worry so much.
• C. Assess the parent for other signs of inadequate parenting.
• D. Reassure the parent that colic rarely lasts past age 9 months.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the parent to express their feelings is crucial in providing support and addressing the emotional challenges that colic can present. Reassuring the parent about the temporary nature of colic can also be helpful.

3. What interventions would the nurse implement to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks, the nurse should bathe the infant with sterile water no more than two or three times per week. The eyes, oral and diaper areas, and pressure points should be cleansed daily. It is essential to avoid using alkaline-based soaps as they might destroy the 'acid mantle' of the skin. Additionally, cleansing with mild solutions and rinsing thoroughly with plain water is recommended to prevent skin irritation and maintain skin integrity. Therefore, options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the best practices for preterm infant skin care.

4. Which heart sound is produced by vibrations within the heart chambers or in the major arteries from the back-and-forth flow of blood?

• A. S1 and S2
• B. S3 and S4
• C. Murmur
• D. Physiologic splitting

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A murmur is produced by turbulent blood flow within the heart or major arteries, resulting in audible vibrations.

5. Physiological anorexia in toddlerhood occurs because of:

• A. Decreased appetite and decreased nutritional need
• B. Decreased appetite and increased nutritional need
• C. Increased appetite and lack of food preferences
• D. Increased appetite and strong food preferences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiological anorexia in toddlers occurs due to a decreased appetite as growth rates slow down. Choice A is correct because it aligns with the concept that toddlers experience a natural decrease in appetite as their growth rate decreases. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest increased appetite or other factors not associated with physiological anorexia in toddlerhood.

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