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 is an appropriate nursing intervention for a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) who has scrotal edema?

• A. Place an ice pack on the scrotal area.
• B. Place the child in an upright sitting position.
• C. Elevate the scrotum with a rolled washcloth.
• D. Place a warm moist pack to the scrotal area.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the scrotum with a rolled washcloth helps reduce edema by promoting fluid drainage. Ice packs are not recommended due to the risk of frostbite, and warm moist packs are not typically used for this purpose. An upright position does not specifically address the edema.

3. An appropriate method for administering oral medications that are bitter to an infant or small child should be to mix them with which?

• A. Bottle of formula or milk
• B. Any food the child is going to eat
• C. One teaspoon of something sweet-tasting such as jam
• D. Carbonated beverage, which is then poured over crushed ice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mixing bitter medication with a small amount of something sweet, like jam, can mask the taste effectively without diluting the medication too much. Mixing with milk or formula is not recommended as the child may refuse future feedings, and carbonated beverages are not suitable for infants.

4. What is the most appropriate nursing action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant?

• A. Allow formula to flow by gravity
• B. Avoid allowing the infant to suck on the tube
• C. Insert the tube through the nares instead of the mouth
• D. Apply gentle pressure to the syringe to deliver the formula

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when intermittently gavage feeding a preterm infant is to allow the formula to flow by gravity. This method helps prevent overfeeding and aspiration, which can occur if the formula is delivered too quickly under pressure. Choice B is incorrect as sucking on the tube can cause complications. Choice C is incorrect as the tube is typically inserted through the mouth. Choice D is incorrect as steady pressure can lead to rapid delivery of the formula, increasing the risk of complications.

5. Parents of a child who will need hemodialysis ask the nurse, What are the advantages of a fistula over a graft or external access device for hemodialysis? (Select all that apply.)

• A. It is ready to be used immediately.
• B. All below
• C. There is less restriction of activity with a fistula.
• D. It produces dilation and thickening of the superficial vessels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A fistula typically has fewer complications, allows for greater freedom of movement, and involves natural vessel changes that improve dialysis efficiency. However, it is not ready for immediate use, which is why it may take weeks to mature before it can be used.

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