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. The nurse is preparing to administer a measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine. Which is a contraindication associated with administering this vaccine?

• A. The child has recently been exposed to an infectious disease
• B. The child has symptoms of a cold but no fever
• C. The child is having intermittent episodes of diarrhea
• D. The child has a disorder that causes a deficient immune system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A compromised immune system is a contraindication for the MMRV vaccine because it is a live attenuated vaccine and could potentially cause an infection in an immunocompromised child.

3. The parent asks when the soft area in the infant's head will go away. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. The area is called the anterior fontanel (fontanelle) and typically closes anytime up to 18 months of age.
• B. The area is called a fontanel (fontanelle). They remain open to allow for rapid brain growth in the first months of life.
• C. The soft spots may stay open until your infant is 2 or 3 years old.
• D. Soft spots on the infant's head should have closed by now.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response by the nurse is A, as the anterior fontanel typically closes between 12-18 months of age, allowing for brain growth during infancy. Choice B is incorrect because it does not provide a specific timeframe for the closure of the fontanel. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a later closure timeframe than usual. Choice D is incorrect as it states that the soft spots should have closed already, which is inaccurate for a 6-month-old infant.

4. What is an essential nursing care intervention for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula?

• A. Feed glucose water only.
• B. Elevate the patient's head for feedings.
• C. Raise the patient's head and give nothing by mouth.
• D. Avoid suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Raising the patient’s head and giving nothing by mouth is crucial in managing tracheoesophageal fistula. This intervention helps prevent aspiration and further complications until surgical correction can be performed. Feeding the neonate or suctioning could exacerbate the condition by risking aspiration. Elevating the head for feedings does not address the primary concern of preventing oral intake, making it less appropriate than the correct answer.

5. What is most important in the management of cellulitis?

• A. Burow solution compresses
• B. Oral or parenteral antibiotics
• C. Topical application of an antibiotic
• D. Incision and drainage of severe lesions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oral or parenteral antibiotics are essential in treating cellulitis to eliminate the infection. Topical antibiotics are not sufficient, and incision and drainage are only for abscesses.

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