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. Why are neonates predisposed to problems with thermoregulation?

• A. Renal function is not fully developed
• B. Flexed posture favors heat loss
• C. A large body surface area favors heat loss to the environment
• D. A thick layer of subcutaneous fat provides excellent insulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Newborns have a large surface area relative to their body weight, making them more susceptible to heat loss and requiring careful thermoregulation. Choice A is incorrect because renal function is not directly related to thermoregulation. Choice B is incorrect because a flexed posture actually helps reduce heat loss by minimizing the surface area exposed to the environment. Choice D is incorrect because neonates have limited subcutaneous fat, which contributes to their susceptibility to heat loss.

3. A 3-year-old child with Hirschsprung disease is hospitalized for surgery. A temporary colostomy will be necessary. How should the nurse prepare this child?

• A. It is unnecessary because of child’s age.
• B. It is essential because it will be an adjustment.
• C. Preparation is not needed because the colostomy is temporary.
• D. Preparation is important because the child needs to deal with negative body image.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Preparation is essential even for a young child, as they need to adjust to the temporary colostomy and understand the changes to their body, which can be confusing and distressing without proper explanation.

4. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which assessment finding would the nurse identify as abnormal?

• A. Pedals tricycle without assistance
• B. Unscrews a bolt on a toy
• C. Falls when bending over to touch toes
• D. Builds a tower of 10 cubes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Falling when bending over to touch toes could indicate a developmental delay or a balance issue that may need further assessment. Choices A, B, and D are typical developmental milestones for a 3-year-old child. Pedaling a tricycle without assistance, unscrewing a bolt on a toy, and building a tower of 10 cubes are all age-appropriate activities for a child of this age.

5. In general, how much is a child that was 10 pounds at birth expected to weigh at 6 months old?

• A. Double = 20 lbs
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child is expected to double their birth weight by 6 months. This is a common guideline used to monitor healthy growth and development in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the expected weight based on the given information.

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