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 teaching parents about high-fiber foods that can prevent constipation. What foods should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Oranges
• B. All are correct
• C. Lima beans
• D. Baked beans

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: All are correct. High-fiber foods like oranges, lima beans, baked beans, and raisin bran cereal are effective in preventing constipation. Oranges are a good source of fiber, lima beans and baked beans are high in fiber content, and raisin bran cereal is also rich in fiber. Bananas, which are not listed but could be considered by some as a high-fiber food, are actually low in fiber and may not be as effective in preventing constipation. Therefore, the nurse should include all the options provided in the teaching to help prevent constipation effectively.

3. What does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend as the best form of infant nutrition?

• A. Exclusive breastfeeding until 1 year of age
• B. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age
• C. Commercially prepared infant formula until 1 year of age
• D. Commercially prepared infant formula until 4 to 6 months of age

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for exclusive breastfeeding until 1 year of age as the best form of infant nutrition. Breastfeeding for the first year of life provides optimal nutrition and benefits for the infant. Exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age is not in line with the AAP's recommendation for a full year. While commercially prepared infant formula is an alternative if breastfeeding is not possible, it is not the preferred choice according to AAP guidelines. The recommendation for commercial infant formula until 1 year of age is not in line with the AAP's stance on the benefits of extended breastfeeding.

4. What is the most critical physiologic change required of newborns at birth?

• A. Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing
• B. Body temperature maintenance
• C. Stabilization of fluid and electrolytes
• D. Closure of fetal shunts in the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Transition from fetal to neonatal breathing. The onset of breathing is the most immediate and critical physiologic change required for the transition to extrauterine life. Factors that interfere with this normal transition increase fetal asphyxia, which is a condition of hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis. While body temperature maintenance, stabilization of fluid and electrolytes, and closure of fetal shunts in the heart are crucial changes in the transition to extrauterine life, breathing and the exchange of oxygen for carbon dioxide must take precedence as they are essential for newborn survival.

5. Using knowledge of child development, what approach is best when preparing a toddler for a procedure?

• A. Avoid asking the child to make choices.
• B. Plan for a teaching session to last about 20 minutes.
• C. Demonstrate on a doll how the procedure will be done.
• D. Show the necessary equipment without allowing child to handle it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Demonstrating on a doll helps the toddler understand what will happen in a non-threatening way, making the procedure less intimidating. Long teaching sessions or avoiding choices can increase anxiety.

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