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 statement is an advantage of peritoneal dialysis compared with hemodialysis?

• A. Protein loss is less extensive.
• B. Dietary limitations are not necessary.
• C. It is easy to learn and safe to perform.
• D. It is needed less frequently than hemodialysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peritoneal dialysis is generally easier to learn and can be safely performed at home. Although dietary limitations still apply, this method offers greater flexibility in treatment scheduling compared to hemodialysis, which often requires multiple weekly visits to a dialysis center.

3. Which of the following conditions is characterized by a 'machine-like' murmur in children?

• A. Patent ductus arteriosus
• B. Ventricular septal defect
• C. Atrial septal defect
• D. Coarctation of the aorta

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Patent ductus arteriosus. This condition is characterized by a continuous 'machine-like' murmur due to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Ventricular septal defect (choice B) is characterized by a harsh holosystolic murmur, atrial septal defect (choice C) typically presents with a fixed split S2 and a pulmonary flow murmur, and coarctation of the aorta (choice D) is associated with a systolic murmur in the back and bilateral lower extremities.

4. The nurse is caring for a child with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiology of acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis?

• A. Occurs after a urinary tract infection
• B. Occurs after a streptococcal infection
• C. Associated with renal vascular disorders
• D. Is caused by E. coli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Occurs after a streptococcal infection.' Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis often occurs after an infection with certain strains of streptococcus bacteria, specifically group A streptococcus. The body’s immune response to the infection leads to inflammation and damage in the kidneys. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis is primarily associated with streptococcal infections, not urinary tract infections, renal vascular disorders, or E. coli.

5. The nurse is providing education to the parent of a child with Beta-thalassemia. Which risk factors about the condition should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Hypertrophy of the thyroid
• B. Polycythemia vera
• C. Thrombocytopenia
• D. Chronic hypoxia and iron overload

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Chronic hypoxia and iron overload. Children with Beta-thalassemia often suffer from chronic hypoxia due to ineffective erythropoiesis and require frequent blood transfusions, leading to iron overload. These complications must be managed to prevent organ damage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Hypertrophy of the thyroid, polycythemia vera, and thrombocytopenia are not direct risk factors associated with Beta-thalassemia. Therefore, they should not be included in the teaching regarding this condition.

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