Nursing Elites

1. Nana Esi is an 11-year-old girl diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). She asks her attending nurse why she can't take a pill rather than shots like her grandmother does. Which of the following would be the nurse's best reply?

• A. If your blood glucose levels are controlled, you can switch to using pills.
• B. The pills correct fat and protein metabolism, not carbohydrate metabolism.
• C. Your body does not make insulin, so the insulin injections help to replace it.
• D. The pills work on the adult pancreas; you can switch when you are 18.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's best reply to Nana Esi is option C: 'Your body does not make insulin, so the insulin injections help to replace it.' In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin, necessitating insulin injections for survival. Option A is incorrect as type 1 diabetes always requires insulin therapy. Option B is inaccurate as pills do not replace the function of insulin. Option D is also incorrect as there is no age restriction on using insulin therapy for type 1 diabetes.

2. Jaundice in children can be either pathological or physiological. Which of these will you consider as more serious?

• A. Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life
• B. Jaundice seen at the palms and soles
• C. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours of life
• D. Jaundice seen after 14 days of life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Jaundice seen within 24 hours of life is considered more serious in children as it can indicate pathological causes such as hemolytic disease or sepsis, which require prompt evaluation and management to prevent complications. Jaundice appearing within 24 hours of life is concerning due to the higher likelihood of severe conditions, while jaundice seen at the palms and soles is more likely due to physiological causes such as breast milk jaundice. Jaundice appearing after 24 hours or after 14 days of life may still require evaluation but is less urgent compared to jaundice within the first 24 hours.

3. What is the reason for Asthma in 4-year-old Mabele, as Mrs. Joyce Thomson inquires? How would you explain it?

• A. Asthma occurs due to inflammation of the respiratory tract triggered by infections.
• B. An asthmatic attack can occur when the child is exposed to certain allergens, triggering an allergic reaction in the bronchioles that causes bronchial constriction.
• C. An asthmatic attack is a response to the release of inflammatory mediators to epithelial cells, affecting the autonomic neural control of the airway.
• D. Asthma is not an inborn problem; it involves abnormal growth of the bronchial tree causing restriction.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asthma in children like Mabele can be triggered by exposure to allergens, leading to an allergic reaction in the bronchioles. This reaction causes constriction of the bronchial tree, resulting in an asthmatic attack. It is essential for caregivers to identify and minimize exposure to these triggers to manage and prevent asthma episodes effectively.

4. Which of the following statements regarding SIDS is correct?

• A. SIDS can occur in premature infants.
• B. It is most commonly a result of child abuse.
• C. Death usually occurs during sleep.
• D. SIDS can be prevented by placing the baby on its back to sleep.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement regarding SIDS is that death usually occurs during sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of a seemingly healthy infant, typically occurring during sleep. The exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood. While placing the baby on its back to sleep is a recommended preventive measure to reduce the risk of SIDS, it cannot guarantee prevention. Choice A is incorrect as SIDS is not limited to premature infants. Choice B is incorrect as SIDS is not primarily caused by child abuse.

5. Which of the following parameters is the LEAST reliable when assessing the perfusion status of a 2-year-old child?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Presence of peripheral pulses
• C. Skin color and temperature
• D. Systolic blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Systolic blood pressure is the least reliable parameter when assessing perfusion status in a 2-year-old child. In young children, blood pressure measurements can be variable, affected by factors like anxiety or crying. Capillary refill time, presence of peripheral pulses, and skin color and temperature are more reliable indicators of perfusion status in this age group.

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