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 are classified as hydrocarbon poisons?

• A. All below
• B. Gasoline
• C. Turpentine
• D. Lighter fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydrocarbon poisons include substances like gasoline, turpentine, and lighter fluid, which are typically liquids derived from petroleum. Bleach is a corrosive substance, not a hydrocarbon.

3. What is a common sign of moderate dehydration in children?

• A. Dry mucous membranes
• B. Normal capillary refill
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a common sign of moderate dehydration in children, indicating a loss of bodily fluids. When a child is moderately dehydrated, the mucous membranes in the mouth and nose may appear dry. This condition can occur due to various factors such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Normal capillary refill (choice B) is not typically associated with dehydration; it is a measure of circulatory status. Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice C) can be present in conditions like gastroenteritis but are not specific to dehydration. Edema (choice D) is the retention of fluid in the body and is not a typical sign of dehydration.

4. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

5. What is a high-fiber food that the nurse should recommend for a child with chronic constipation?

• A. White rice
• B. Popcorn
• C. Fruit juice
• D. Ripe bananas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Popcorn is a high-fiber food that can help manage chronic constipation in children. Other options like white rice and ripe bananas are low in fiber and less effective for treating constipation.

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