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 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.

3. Which immunization should the nurse include in a teaching session for parents of toddler-age clients to decrease the risk for epiglottitis?

• A. Hepatitis B
• B. Polio
• C. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)
• D. Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine. Hib vaccine is crucial in preventing epiglottitis, a serious respiratory condition caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. This vaccine is recommended for toddlers to protect them from developing epiglottitis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while they are important vaccines for children, they do not specifically target the prevention of epiglottitis, unlike the Hib vaccine.

4. After 8 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit, Chris will soon be discharged. His parents seem apprehensive and worry that he may still be in danger. What is this considered by the nurse?

• A. A common parental reaction
• B. Suggestive of maladaptation
• C. A reason to postpone discharge
• D. Suggestive of inadequate bonding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Parents become apprehensive and worried as the time for discharge approaches, which is a common parental reaction. They often have concerns and insecurities about caring for their infant. The worry about potential dangers is a normal adaptive response reflecting the parents' concern for their child's well-being. It is essential for healthcare providers to acknowledge these feelings and support parents in gaining confidence in caring for their infant. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the parents' apprehension in this context is a typical emotional response and not indicative of maladaptation, a reason to postpone discharge, or inadequate bonding.

5. The nurse is caring for a child who had a tonsillectomy. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse observe the child for in the postoperative period?

• A. Arrhythmias
• B. Increased swallowing
• C. Increased blood sugar
• D. Increased urinary output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Increased swallowing can indicate bleeding at the surgical site, which is a potential complication after tonsillectomy. Choice A, Arrhythmias, are not typically associated with tonsillectomy. Choice C, Increased blood sugar, is not a common clinical manifestation after a tonsillectomy. Choice D, Increased urinary output, is not a typical clinical manifestation to observe for in the postoperative period after a tonsillectomy.

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