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. What clinical manifestation should be the most suggestive of acute appendicitis?

• A. Rebound tenderness
• B. Bright red or dark red rectal bleeding
• C. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating
• D. Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Colicky, cramping abdominal pain around the umbilicus. This type of pain is a common early sign of acute appendicitis. Rebound tenderness, choice A, is a later sign seen in the physical examination of a patient with appendicitis. Rectal bleeding, as described in choice B, is not typically associated with appendicitis. Abdominal pain that is relieved by eating, as mentioned in choice C, is more indicative of peptic ulcer disease rather than appendicitis.

3. The nurse is caring for a child with the following order: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 20 mg IV, every 6 hours. The nurse has Methylprednisolone 100 mg in 2 mL available. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

• A. 0.4 mL
• B. 0.2 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 0.6 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct dosage to administer 20 mg is 0.4 mL, calculated by dividing the dose (20 mg) by the concentration (100 mg in 2 mL). This calculation ensures the accurate administration of the prescribed medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided concentration of the medication.

4. Which condition is often associated with a "ground-glass" appearance on a chest x-ray in neonates?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Respiratory distress syndrome
• C. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• D. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory distress syndrome often presents with a "ground-glass" appearance on a chest x-ray in neonates due to surfactant deficiency. Choice A, Pneumonia, typically appears as patchy infiltrates on chest x-ray. Choice C, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, is characterized by hyperinflation and fibrosis, not a ground-glass appearance. Choice D, Congenital diaphragmatic hernia, usually shows mediastinal shift and bowel loops in the chest cavity on x-ray, not a ground-glass appearance.

5. The mother of a 6-month-old infant has returned to work and is expressing breast milk to be frozen. She asks for directions on how to safely thaw the breast milk in the microwave. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Heat only 10 oz or more.
• B. Do not thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave oven.
• C. Always leave the bottle top uncovered to allow heat to escape.
• D. Shake the bottle vigorously for at least 30 seconds after heating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thawing or heating breast milk in a microwave is not recommended because it can create hot spots that may burn the infant and destroy essential nutrients.

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