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. Which characteristic best describes the fine motor skills of an infant at age 5 months?

• A. Neat pincer grasp
• B. Strong grasp reflex
• C. Builds a tower of two cubes
• D. Able to grasp object voluntarily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: By 5 months, infants develop the ability to grasp objects voluntarily, showing improved motor control. The neat pincer grasp and building towers are skills that develop later.

4. 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.

5. The mother of an infant diagnosed with bronchiolitis asks the nurse what causes the disease. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• B. Haemophilus influenzae
• C. Parainfluenza
• D. Rotavirus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis, especially in infants. Bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation of the small airways in the lungs. Choice B, Haemophilus influenzae, is a bacterium that can cause respiratory infections but is not the primary cause of bronchiolitis. Choice C, Parainfluenza, is a common viral infection that can cause croup and other respiratory illnesses but is not the main cause of bronchiolitis. Choice D, Rotavirus, is a virus that primarily affects the gastrointestinal system, causing diarrhea and vomiting, and is not associated with bronchiolitis.

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