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 is an important intervention in providing a neutral thermal environment for an LBW infant in an incubator?

• A. Use wool blankets.
• B. Avoid using disposable diapers.
• C. Prevent heat loss.
• D. Closely monitor both incubator and rectal temperatures.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preventing heat loss in a low birth weight (LBW) infant is crucial in maintaining a neutral thermal environment. The use of cotton blankets is recommended over wool blankets. Avoiding disposable diapers is not directly related to maintaining a neutral thermal environment. While monitoring temperatures is important, the key intervention is preventing heat loss to ensure the infant's survival.

3. During the nurse’s initial assessment of a school-age child, the child reports a pain level of 6 out of 10. The child is lying quietly in bed watching television. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Reassess the child in 15 minutes to see if the pain rating has changed
• B. Administer the prescribed analgesic
• C. Do nothing since the child appears to be resting
• D. Ask the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain management should be based on the child’s report of pain, regardless of their activity level. Administering the prescribed analgesic is the appropriate action. Reassessing the child in 15 minutes without providing immediate pain relief may not be in the child's best interest. Doing nothing since the child appears to be resting may lead to inadequate pain management. Asking the child’s parents if they think the child is hurting does not replace the need for direct assessment and intervention by the nurse.

4. Identification and treatment of cryptorchid testes should be done by age 2 years. What is an important consideration?

• A. Medical therapy is not effective after this age.
• B. Treatment is necessary to maintain the ability to be fertile when older.
• C. The younger child can tolerate the extensive surgery needed.
• D. Sexual reassignment may be necessary if treatment is not successful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early treatment of cryptorchidism is essential to preserve fertility and prevent complications such as testicular cancer. Surgery is usually well-tolerated, and sexual reassignment is not typically related to this condition.

5. A teenager is accompanied by his mother to the annual physical examination. The nurse is aware of privacy issues related to the teenager. While the mother is in the room, which topic should the nurse avoid?

• A. School performance
• B. Seatbelt use
• C. Cigarette smoking
• D. School friends

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cigarette smoking. Discussing sensitive topics like cigarette smoking in the presence of a parent may inhibit the teenager's willingness to be open and honest. It's important to provide an opportunity for the teenager to speak privately with the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are more general topics that can be discussed openly in front of the parent without compromising the teenager's privacy or comfort.

Similar Questions