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. Which condition is characterized by a "barking" cough in children?

• A. Asthma
• B. Bronchiolitis
• C. Croup
• D. Pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Croup is the correct answer. It is characterized by a distinctive "barking" cough, typically worse at night, caused by the inflammation of the upper airway, specifically the larynx and trachea. Asthma (Choice A) typically presents with wheezing and shortness of breath rather than a barking cough. Bronchiolitis (Choice B) commonly causes wheezing and respiratory distress in infants and young children. Pneumonia (Choice D) often presents with symptoms like fever, productive cough, and chest pain, but not typically a barking cough.

3. In the newborn, into what muscle is intramuscular vitamin K administered?

• A. Deltoid
• B. Dorsogluteal
• C. Rectus femoris
• D. Vastus lateralis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In newborns, intramuscular vitamin K is traditionally administered into the vastus lateralis muscle. This site is preferred due to its large muscle mass and accessibility. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended for newborns due to the risk of injury to the sciatic nerve. The deltoid site is also not recommended for newborns. The rectus femoris muscle is not commonly used for intramuscular injections in newborns.

4. When planning care for a child with a urinary tract infection, the nurse should give priority to which treatment measure?

• A. Provide adequate nutrition to prevent dehydration.
• B. Administer ordered antibiotics on schedule.
• C. Prevent enuresis.
• D. Restrict fluid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antibiotics on schedule is crucial in treating a UTI effectively and preventing complications. Antibiotics help to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. While maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration are important aspects of care, the priority in a UTI is to target the infection with antibiotics. Preventing enuresis (bedwetting) is not directly related to the treatment of the infection. Fluid restriction is not recommended in the management of a UTI; in fact, encouraging adequate fluid intake helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

5. The nurse is teaching parents about diarrhea in young children. A parent asks the nurse what causes most cases of diarrhea in young children. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Rotavirus
• B. Giardia
• C. Shigella
• D. Salmonella

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in young children, particularly those under the age of 2. Giardia, Shigella, and Salmonella can also cause diarrhea, but in the context of young children, Rotavirus is the primary pathogen responsible for diarrheal illnesses.

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