Nursing Elites

1. The clinic nurse is teaching parents about physiologic anemia that occurs in infants. What statement should the nurse include about the cause of physiologic anemia?

• A. Maternally derived iron stores are depleted in the first 2 months.
• B. Fetal hemoglobin results in a shortened survival of red blood cells.
• C. The production of adult hemoglobin decreases in the first year of life.
• D. Low levels of fetal hemoglobin depress the production of erythropoietin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Physiologic anemia is caused by the transition from fetal to adult hemoglobin, with fetal hemoglobin having a shorter lifespan, leading to a temporary decrease in red blood cells.

2. The LPN is assessing for fontanels on the head of a 6-month-old. Which fontanel is expected to still be present?

• A. Posterior
• B. Anterior
• C. Sphenoid
• D. Lambdoid

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anterior. The anterior fontanel usually remains open until about 12-18 months of age, while the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the posterior fontanel closes by 2-3 months of age, and the sphenoid and lambdoid fontanels are not typically assessed in routine infant head examinations.

3. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, making them more susceptible to heat loss and requiring careful thermoregulation. Choice A is incorrect because renal function is not directly related to thermoregulation. Choice B is incorrect because a flexed posture actually helps reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have limited subcutaneous fat, which contributes to their susceptibility to heat loss.

4. Physiological anorexia in toddlerhood occurs because of:

• A. Decreased appetite and decreased nutritional need
• B. Decreased appetite and increased nutritional need
• C. Increased appetite and lack of food preferences
• D. Increased appetite and strong food preferences

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Physiological anorexia in toddlers occurs due to a decreased appetite as growth rates slow down. Choice A is correct because it aligns with the concept that toddlers experience a natural decrease in appetite as their growth rate decreases. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they suggest increased appetite or other factors not associated with physiological anorexia in toddlerhood.

5. A school-age child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a vaso-occlusive crisis. Which of these should be included in the nursing plan of care?

• A. Correction of alkalosis
• B. Pain management and administration of heparin
• C. Adequate oxygenation and replacement of factor VIII to correct the sickling
• D. Adequate hydration, oxygenation, and pain management

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell anemia require a comprehensive approach that includes adequate hydration to reduce blood viscosity, oxygenation to prevent further sickling of red blood cells, and aggressive pain management. This approach helps improve tissue perfusion and manage pain effectively. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Correction of alkalosis is not a priority in vaso-occlusive crisis management. Administration of heparin is not indicated as it can increase the risk of bleeding in sickle cell patients. Factor VIII replacement is not relevant to sickle cell anemia as it is a treatment for hemophilia, not sickle cell disease.

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