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. Which parental statement indicates correct understanding of information presented regarding the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in infants?

• A. "We will add green leafy vegetables to our child’s low-iron formula."
• B. "We will discontinue the use of vitamin C supplements by 6 months of age."
• C. "We will begin an iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age."
• D. "We will introduce cow’s milk by 6 months of age."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Introducing iron-fortified cereal between 4 to 6 months of age is a recommended practice to prevent iron deficiency anemia in infants. Iron-fortified infant cereals are a good source of iron for infants. Choices A and B are incorrect because adding green leafy vegetables to low-iron formula and discontinuing vitamin C supplements do not directly address the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Choice D is incorrect because cow's milk should be avoided before 12 months of age as it is low in iron and can lead to intestinal blood loss, increasing the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

3. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

4. During a funduscopic examination of a school-age child, the nurse notes a brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes. The nurse should recognize that this is which?

• A. A normal finding
• B. A sign of a possible visual defect and a need for vision screening
• C. An abnormal finding requiring referral to an ophthalmologist
• D. A sign of small hemorrhages, which usually resolve spontaneously

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A brilliant, uniform red reflex in both eyes is a normal finding, indicating that the retina is healthy and there are no significant obstructions in the visual pathway.

5. What is the primary objective of care for the child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS)?

• A. Reduce blood pressure
• B. Lower serum protein levels
• C. Minimize excretion of urinary protein
• D. Increase the ability of tissue to retain fluid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary objective in managing MCNS is to minimize the excretion of urinary protein, which is responsible for the hypoalbuminemia and subsequent edema in these patients.

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