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. An effective means of establishing rapport with the hospitalized pre-schooler is through:

• A. Lengthy discussion
• B. Explanation with drawings and models
• C. Play
• D. Silence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Play is an effective way to communicate and build rapport with young children, especially pre-schoolers. It helps them feel comfortable, express themselves, and establish a connection with the caregiver. Lengthy discussions may not be suitable for their age and attention span, while explanation with drawings and models can enhance communication but may not engage them as effectively as play. Silence, on the other hand, may create a sense of unease or lack of interaction for pre-schoolers.

3. The parents of a newborn with an umbilical hernia ask about treatment options. The nurse's response should be based on which knowledge?

• A. Surgery is recommended as soon as possible.
• B. The defect usually resolves spontaneously by 3 to 5 years of age.
• C. Aggressive treatment is necessary to reduce its high mortality.
• D. Taping the abdomen to flatten the protrusion is not recommended.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Most umbilical hernias in newborns resolve on their own by 3 to 5 years of age without the need for surgical intervention, unless complications arise. Surgery is not typically recommended for umbilical hernias in newborns due to the high rate of spontaneous resolution. Aggressive treatment is not necessary as umbilical hernias are typically benign and not associated with high mortality. Taping the abdomen is not recommended as it can cause skin irritation and does not speed up the resolution of the hernia.

4. A young mother asks if her 9-month-old can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of formula. You explain that:

• A. Cow’s milk is easier to digest than formula
• B. Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year
• C. As long as whole milk is given and not skim milk, it is okay
• D. Cow’s milk will decrease the chance of iron deficiency anemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Breast milk or formula should be used for now because whole cow’s milk is not recommended for infants under 1 year. Cow’s milk is not suitable for infants under 1 year of age as it lacks essential nutrients like iron and can lead to iron deficiency. Therefore, it is important to continue with breast milk or formula to ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met. Choice A is incorrect as cow’s milk is not easier to digest than formula for infants. Choice C is incorrect as the type of milk, whether whole or skim, is not the primary concern at this age. Choice D is incorrect as cow’s milk can actually increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia in infants.

5. A breastfed infant is being seen in the clinic for a 6-month checkup. The mother tells the nurse that the infant recently began to suck her thumb. Which is the best nursing intervention?

• A. Reassure the mother that this is normal at this age
• B. Recommend the mother substitute a pacifier for her thumb
• C. Assess the infant for other signs of sensory deprivation
• D. Suggest the mother breastfeed the infant more often to satisfy her sucking needs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thumb sucking is a normal self-soothing behavior in infants and usually does not indicate a problem. Reassuring the mother that this is normal is the appropriate response.

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