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. 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.

3. The nurse is discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with a 17-year-old student. Which cognitive development theory should the teaching plan be based on?

• A. Sensorimotor reactions
• B. Limited cause and effect understanding
• C. Abstract thinking
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Abstract thinking.' According to Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, adolescents, typically around the age of 12 and older, enter the formal operational stage where they can think abstractly and reason about hypothetical situations. When discussing complex topics like STIs with a 17-year-old student, it is essential to base the teaching plan on abstract thinking. Choice A, 'Sensorimotor reactions,' is incorrect as it pertains to the earliest stage in Piaget's theory (birth to 2 years old) focusing on sensory experiences and physical interactions. Choice B, 'Limited cause and effect understanding,' does not align with the cognitive abilities of a 17-year-old who is capable of more advanced thinking. Choice D, 'Concrete thinking,' is also incorrect as it refers to the stage before formal operations, where individuals think more concretely and struggle with abstract concepts.

4. What information does the nurse include when teaching parents about nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management in children?

• A. May reduce pain perception.
• B. Make pharmacologic strategies unnecessary.
• C. Usually take too long to implement.
• D. Trick children into believing they do not have pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'May reduce pain perception.' When teaching parents about nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management in children, the nurse should include information that these techniques may help reduce pain perception, make the pain more tolerable, decrease anxiety, and enhance the effectiveness of analgesics. It is important to note that nonpharmacologic techniques should be learned before the pain occurs, and it is beneficial to use both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures for pain control. Choice B is incorrect because nonpharmacologic strategies do not make pharmacologic strategies unnecessary but rather complement them. Choice C is incorrect as nonpharmacologic techniques, when properly learned and applied, do not usually take too long to implement. Choice D is incorrect as the goal of nonpharmacologic strategies is not to trick children into believing they do not have pain, but to help them cope with and manage their pain effectively.

5. A Hispanic toddler has pneumonia. The nurse notices that the parent consistently feeds the child only the broth that comes on the clear liquid tray. Food items, such as Jell-O, Popsicles, and juices, are left. Which statement best explains this?

• A. The parent is trying to feed the child only what the child likes most
• B. Hispanics believe the evil eye enters when a person gets cold
• C. The parent is trying to restore normal balance through appropriate hot remedies
• D. Hispanics believe an innate energy called chi is strengthened by eating soup

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Hispanic culture, the balance between hot and cold is important, and the parent may be giving the child broth to restore this balance while avoiding "cold" foods.

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