Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

3. The nurse is planning to counsel family members as a group to assess the family's group dynamics. Which theoretical family model is the nurse using as a framework?

• A. Feminist theory
• B. Family stress theory
• C. Family systems theory
• D. Developmental theory

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Family systems theory views the family as an interconnected system where changes in one member affect the entire family, making it ideal for assessing group dynamics.

4. What tool would be most useful to assess maternal and newborn attachment behaviors?

• A. Apgar
• B. Ballard scale
• C. NCAST (Nursing Child Assessment Satellite Training) Feeding Scale
• D. Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The NCAST Feeding Scale is the most suitable tool to evaluate maternal and newborn attachment behaviors during feedings. It focuses on observing the interaction between the parent and infant, providing insights into their bonding. The Apgar score is used to assess a neonate's immediate transition to life outside the womb, not specifically maternal and newborn attachment behaviors. The Ballard scale is used to estimate gestational age, not to assess attachment behaviors. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale is designed to evaluate a newborn's responses to various stimuli, not specifically maternal and newborn attachment behaviors.

5. Which of the following is the best indicator of a child's nutritional status?

• A. Weight
• B. Height
• C. Head circumference
• D. Mid-upper arm circumference

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Mid-upper arm circumference is a good indicator of muscle mass and fat stores, reflecting a child's nutritional status. It is particularly useful in assessing malnutrition, as it is less affected by fluid retention or dehydration compared to other anthropometric measurements. Weight can fluctuate due to factors like hydration status, making it less reliable as a sole indicator of nutritional status. Height reflects growth but may not directly indicate current nutritional status. Head circumference is more related to brain growth and development rather than overall nutritional status.

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