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. The nurse is caring for a very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infant with a peripheral intravenous infusion. What nursing considerations regarding infiltration should be included in planning IV care?

• A. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants.
• B. Continuous infusion pumps do not always stop automatically when infiltration occurs.
• C. Hypertonic solutions can cause severe tissue damage if infiltration occurs.
• D. The infusion site should be checked regularly to prevent infiltration-related complications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hypertonic solutions can damage tissues if they leak from the vein due to infiltration. It is crucial to monitor for this complication to prevent severe tissue damage. Infiltration is not solely related to the activity level of VLBW infants; it can occur due to various reasons such as vein condition, catheter placement, and fluid type. Continuous infusion pumps may not always detect infiltration, as they typically alarm for pressure changes but not all infiltration instances. Checking the infusion site regularly, preferably hourly, is essential to prevent complications like tissue damage from extravasations, fluid overload, and dehydration.

3. A two-month-old infant who has gastroesophageal reflux is thriving without other complications. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

• A. Place the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding
• B. Thicken formula with rice cereal
• C. Give continuous nasogastric feedings
• D. Give larger, less frequent feeds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a two-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux who is thriving without complications is to thicken the formula with rice cereal. This can help reduce reflux by increasing the weight of the formula, making it less likely to be regurgitated. Placing the infant in the Trendelenburg position after feeding (Choice A) is not recommended as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Continuous nasogastric feedings (Choice C) are not typically indicated for uncomplicated reflux in infants. Giving larger, less frequent feeds (Choice D) can worsen reflux symptoms by overloading the stomach.

4. Several types of seizures can occur in neonates. What is characteristic of clonic seizures?

• A. Apnea
• B. Tremors
• C. Extension of all four limbs
• D. Jerking that cannot be stopped by flexion of the affected limb

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clonic seizures are characterized by slow, rhythmic, jerking movements that cannot be stopped by flexion of the affected limb. Therefore, the correct characteristic of clonic seizures is option D. Option A, apnea, is not characteristic of clonic seizures. Option B, tremors, does not describe clonic seizures accurately. Option C, extension of all four limbs, is not a typical feature of clonic seizures but rather seen in tonic seizures.

5. Which type of play is most appropriate for a hospitalized toddler?

• A. Cooperative play
• B. Parallel play
• C. Competitive play
• D. Solitary play

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate type of play for a hospitalized toddler is parallel play. This type of play allows toddlers to engage alongside each other but not directly with each other, which can be comforting and less overwhelming in a hospital setting. Cooperative play (choice A) involves working together towards a common goal, which may be challenging for a hospitalized toddler. Competitive play (choice C) involves a level of rivalry that may not be suitable during a hospital stay. Solitary play (choice D) involves playing alone, which may not provide the social interaction and distraction that parallel play can offer in a hospital environment.

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