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. During an otoscopic examination on an infant, in which direction is the pinna pulled?

• A. Up and back
• B. Up and forward
• C. Down and back
• D. Down and forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For infants, the pinna is pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal and allow proper visualization of the tympanic membrane during otoscopic examination.

3. What interventions should be implemented to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks?

• A. Avoid cleaning the skin
• B. Bathe the infant with sterile water
• C. Cleanse the skin with a gentle alkaline-based soap and water
• D. Thoroughly rinse the skin with plain water after bathing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention to maintain the skin integrity of a preterm infant born at 30 weeks is to bathe the infant with sterile water. Bathing with sterile water or a neutral pH solution is recommended to protect the delicate skin of preterm infants, which is more permeable and prone to damage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as avoiding cleaning the skin may lead to hygiene issues, cleansing with alkaline-based soap can be harsh on the delicate skin, and thoroughly rinsing with plain water after bathing may not be as gentle and protective for preterm infants.

4. 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.

5. The nurse is caring for a child with hypernatremia. The nurse evaluates the child for which signs and symptoms of hypernatremia? (Select all that apply.)

• A. All below
• B. Lethargy
• C. Oliguria
• D. Intense thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hypernatremia typically presents with lethargy, oliguria, and intense thirst due to the body's attempt to conserve water. Apathy can also occur, but lethargy and thirst are more consistent indicators.

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