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 clinic nurse is teaching parents about when to call the office immediately for a child with a fever. What should the nurse include in the teaching session? (Select all that apply.)

• A. The child has a stiff neck.
• B. The fever is over 40.6 C (105 F).
• C. The child is younger than 2 months.
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: High fever, especially in very young infants, or the presence of a stiff neck can indicate a serious infection requiring immediate attention. A fever lasting more than 3 days also warrants medical evaluation.

3. 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.

4. Which nursing action is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child?

• A. Providing brochures regarding sexuality
• B. Giving clear instructions about details of treatment
• C. Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure
• D. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Offering medical equipment to play with prior to a procedure is developmentally appropriate when caring for a hospitalized school-age child. Allowing the child to familiarize themselves with the equipment helps reduce fear and anxiety about the upcoming procedure. Choices A, B, and D are not as appropriate for a school-age child. Providing brochures regarding sexuality is not developmentally appropriate for this age group. Giving clear instructions about treatment details may overwhelm a child of this age. Using toys for distraction during a painful procedure is more suitable for younger children.

5. What is the most important intervention in the management of a child with sickle cell crisis?

• A. Administration of iron supplements
• B. Initiation of high-calorie diet
• C. Administration of pain relief
• D. Limiting fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.

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