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 of a 2-week-old infant asks the nurse if fluoride supplements are necessary because the infant is exclusively breastfed. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. The infant needs to begin taking them now.
• B. Supplements are not needed if you drink fluoridated water.
• C. The infant may need to begin taking them at age 6 months.
• D. The infant can have infant cereal mixed with fluoridated water instead of supplements.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Breastfed infants may need fluoride supplements starting at 6 months if they are not receiving fluoride from other sources, such as drinking water.

3. A child is admitted for minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). The nurse recognizes that the child’s prognosis is related to what factor?

• A. Admission blood pressure
• B. Creatinine clearance
• C. Amount of protein in urine
• D. Response to steroid therapy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The prognosis for children with MCNS is closely related to their response to steroid therapy. A favorable response to steroids usually indicates a better prognosis, while poor response may require alternative treatments and can indicate a more complicated disease course.

4. The parents of an 8-month-old infant voice concern to the nurse that their infant is not developing motor skills as the infant should. What question would be appropriate for the nurse to ask in determining if their fears are warranted?

• A. Does the infant move a toy back and forth from one hand to the other?
• B. Is the infant able to drink from a cup by oneself?
• C. Is the infant able to hold a pencil and scribble on paper?
• D. Does the infant place toys into a box or container and take them out?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. By 8 months, an infant should be able to transfer objects between hands, which is an important motor skill milestone. This action shows coordination and developing fine motor skills. Choices B, C, and D involve more advanced motor skills that are typically not expected at 8 months of age. Drinking from a cup, holding a pencil to scribble, and engaging in purposeful play with toys are skills that develop later in infancy.

5. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Constipation
• C. Appendicitis
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

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