Nursing Elites

1. A hospitalized child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome is receiving high doses of prednisone. What nursing goal is appropriate for this child?

• A. Stimulate appetite
• B. Detect evidence of edema
• C. Minimize risk of infection
• D. Promote adherence to the antibiotic regimen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prednisone, an immunosuppressant, increases the child's susceptibility to infections, making infection prevention a critical nursing goal. Detecting edema and stimulating appetite are important but secondary to preventing potentially life-threatening infections.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is carrying on a conversation with a 7-year-old child during an office visit. Which is an example of the level of language development the nurse should expect in this child?

• A. Fascination with bathroom language
• B. Difficulty understanding the concept of 'half past' in reference to time
• C. Ability to carry on an adult conversation
• D. Inability to speak in full sentences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Understanding time concepts like 'half past' can be challenging for a 7-year-old, indicating the level of language development. Choice A is incorrect as fascination with bathroom language is common in this age group but not necessarily indicative of language development. Choice C is incorrect as a 7-year-old typically cannot carry on an adult conversation due to cognitive and experiential limitations. Choice D is incorrect as by the age of 7, children should be able to speak in full sentences.

4. The nurse's approach when introducing hospital equipment to a preschooler who seems afraid should be based on which principle?

• A. The child may think the equipment is alive.
• B. Explaining the equipment will only increase the child’s fear
• C. One brief explanation will be enough to reduce the child’s fear
• D. The child is too young to understand what the equipment does

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Preschoolers may engage in magical thinking and believe inanimate objects are alive, so the nurse should explain the equipment in a way that reduces fear.

5. The nurse is teaching a parent with a 2-month-old infant who has been diagnosed with colic about ways to relieve colic. Which statement by the parent indicates the need for additional teaching?

• A. I should let my infant cry for at least 30 minutes before I respond.
• B. I will swaddle my infant tightly with a soft blanket.
• C. I should massage my infant's abdomen whenever possible.
• D. I will place my infant in an upright seat after feeding.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Letting an infant cry for prolonged periods can exacerbate colic and increase the infant's distress. It is better to respond promptly to soothe the baby. Other methods like swaddling, gentle massage, and keeping the infant upright can help relieve colic symptoms.

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