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 school nurse understands that children are impacted by divorce. Which has the most impact on the positive outcome of a divorce?

• A. Age of the child
• B. Gender of the child
• C. Family characteristics
• D. Ongoing family conflict

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The level of ongoing family conflict is the most significant factor influencing the positive or negative outcomes for children during and after a divorce

3. 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.

4. Which nursing intervention should be included in the postoperative care of a child following a tonsillectomy?

• A. Encourage the child to blow the nose gently
• B. Notify the physician if mucus is observed in the emesis
• C. Position the child supine in the immediate postoperative period
• D. Avoid giving citrus juice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid giving citrus juice.' Citrus juice can irritate the throat after a tonsillectomy, so it should be avoided. Choice A is incorrect because blowing the nose gently is not a recommended intervention following a tonsillectomy. Choice B is incorrect as mucus in emesis is not uncommon postoperatively and does not necessarily require physician notification. Choice C is incorrect as positioning the child supine immediately postoperatively can increase the risk of airway obstruction and should be avoided.

5. What laboratory finding, in conjunction with the presenting symptoms, indicates minimal change nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Low specific gravity
• B. Decreased hemoglobin
• C. Normal platelet count
• D. Reduced serum albumin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Reduced serum albumin is a hallmark of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) due to massive proteinuria. This results in hypoalbuminemia, which contributes to the edema characteristic of this condition.

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