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. In general, how much is a child that was 10 pounds at birth expected to weigh at 6 months old?

• A. Double = 20 lbs
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child is expected to double their birth weight by 6 months. This is a common guideline used to monitor healthy growth and development in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the expected weight based on the given information.

3. The parent of a 1-month-old infant voices concern about the infant’s respirations. The parent states the respirations are rapid and irregular. Which information should the nurse provide?

• A. The normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
• B. The respirations of a 1-month-old infant are normally irregular and periodically pause.
• C. An infant at this age should have regular respirations.
• D. The irregularity of the infant's respirations is concerning; I will notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Irregular respirations with periodic pauses are normal in a 1-month-old infant. Choice A is incorrect because the normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is higher than the range provided. Choice C is incorrect as irregular respirations are expected in infants. Choice D is not appropriate as irregular respirations with periodic pauses are a normal finding in young infants and do not necessarily indicate a concern that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

4. What is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

5. At what stage can infants raise their heads and gain control of their trunks before walking due to which directional pattern of development?

• A. Cephalocaudal
• B. Anterior to posterior
• C. Proximodistal
• D. Normal growth curve charts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cephalocaudal. The cephalocaudal pattern of development means that growth and motor control proceed from the head downward through the body. This explains why infants can raise their heads before they can sit and gain control of their trunks before walking. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Anterior to posterior refers to development from the front to the back, while proximodistal refers to development from the center of the body outward. Normal growth curve charts are used to track physical growth over time and are not directly related to the directional pattern of development in infants.

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