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. An 8-year-old girl asks the nurse how the blood pressure apparatus works. The most appropriate nursing action is which?

• A. Ask her why she wants to know.
• B. Determine why she is so anxious.
• C. Explain in simple terms how it works.
• D. Tell her she will see how it works as it is used.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing a simple explanation satisfies the child's curiosity and helps reduce any anxiety about the procedure.

3. Which assessment findings should the nurse expect in a child with sickle cell anemia experiencing an acute vaso-occlusive crisis?

• A. Circulatory collapse, hypovolemia
• B. Cardiomegaly, systolic murmur
• C. Hepatomegaly, intrahepatic cholestasis
• D. Painful swelling of joints in hands and feet, tissue engorgement

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia are characterized by painful swelling of the joints in the hands and feet (hand-foot syndrome) and tissue engorgement due to the obstruction of blood flow by sickled cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because circulatory collapse, hypovolemia, cardiomegaly, systolic murmur, hepatomegaly, and intrahepatic cholestasis are not typically associated with an acute vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia.

4. What is the most common piece of medical equipment that can transmit harmful microorganisms among patients?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Stethoscope
• C. Injection needle
• D. Disposable gloves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stethoscope. A stethoscope is commonly used between patients, and if not correctly disinfected, it can be a dangerous source of spreading microorganisms. Thermometers typically have barriers to prevent this type of transmission. Injection needles are discarded immediately after use and not reused, making them an unlikely source of transmission. Similarly, disposable gloves are not reused, so they are also not a common source of harmful microorganism transmission.

5. A young mother asks if her 9-month-old can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of formula. You explain that:

• A. Cow’s milk is easier to digest than formula
• B. Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year
• C. As long as whole milk is given and not skim milk, it is okay
• D. Cow’s milk will decrease the chance of iron deficiency anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age as it lacks essential nutrients like iron and can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to continue with breast milk or formula to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met. Choice A is incorrect as cow’s milk is not easier to digest than formula for infants. Choice C is incorrect as the type of milk, whether whole or skim, is not the primary concern at this age. Choice D is incorrect as cow’s milk can actually increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

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