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. Identification and treatment of cryptorchid testes should be done by age 2 years. What is an important consideration?

• A. Medical therapy is not effective after this age.
• B. Treatment is necessary to maintain the ability to be fertile when older.
• C. The younger child can tolerate the extensive surgery needed.
• D. Sexual reassignment may be necessary if treatment is not successful.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Early treatment of cryptorchidism is essential to preserve fertility and prevent complications such as testicular cancer. Surgery is usually well-tolerated, and sexual reassignment is not typically related to this condition.

3. What dietary modification is recommended for a child with cystic fibrosis?

• A. High carbohydrate
• B. Low protein
• C. High calorie
• D. Low fat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A high-calorie diet is recommended for children with cystic fibrosis due to their increased energy needs and malabsorption issues. Cystic fibrosis affects the pancreas, leading to poor digestion and absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, which requires dietary adjustments to maintain adequate nutrition. High carbohydrate (Choice A) is not the primary focus; the emphasis is on overall calorie intake. Low protein (Choice B) is not recommended as protein intake is essential for growth and development. Low fat (Choice D) is not the best option as fat-soluble vitamin absorption is already compromised in cystic fibrosis, hence fat restriction is not a priority.

4. Pertussis vaccination should begin at which age?

• A. Birth
• B. 2 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The DTaP vaccine, which includes pertussis, is typically started at 2 months of age as part of the recommended immunization schedule.

5. A health care provider prescribes feedings of 1 to 2 oz Pedialyte every 3 hours and to advance to 1/2 strength Similac with iron as tolerated postoperatively for an infant who had a pyloromyotomy. The nurse should decide to advance the feeding if which occurs?

• A. The infant's IV line has infiltrated.
• B. The infant has not voided since surgery.
• C. The infant's mother states the infant is tolerating the feeding okay.
• D. The infant is taking the Pedialyte without vomiting or distention.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The decision to advance feedings after a pyloromyotomy is based on the infant's ability to tolerate the current feedings without vomiting or abdominal distention. Ensuring the infant can keep down Pedialyte is the key indicator for moving to the next stage of feeding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the infant's ability to tolerate the feeding. An infiltrated IV line, lack of voiding, or the mother's statement do not provide direct information on the infant's tolerance to the feeding, unlike the absence of vomiting and distention.

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