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 nurse is caring for a child with the following order: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 20 mg IV, every 6 hours. The nurse has Methylprednisolone 100 mg in 2 mL available. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

• A. 0.4 mL
• B. 0.2 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 0.6 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct dosage to administer 20 mg is 0.4 mL, calculated by dividing the dose (20 mg) by the concentration (100 mg in 2 mL). This calculation ensures the accurate administration of the prescribed medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided concentration of the medication.

3. A parent calls the hospital nursing hotline and asks, 'My 8-week-old infant cries 8 hours a day, and is hard to console. Is that normal?' What should the nurse's response be to this parent?

• A. No, call your health care provider.
• B. Let me ask you some more questions to see if there are symptoms of colic.
• C. Yes, maybe your infant is just tired.
• D. Yes, infants cry all the time at that age.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response for the nurse to provide in this situation is to ask more questions to determine if the infant is displaying symptoms of colic. Colic is a common condition in infants that can lead to prolonged crying and fussiness. It is essential to assess for other symptoms before giving advice to the parent. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the possibility of colic or the need for further assessment of the infant's condition.

4. What should preoperative care of a newborn with an anorectal malformation include?

• A. Frequent suctioning
• B. Gastrointestinal decompression
• C. Feedings with sterile water only
• D. Supine position with head elevated

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Preoperative care for a newborn with an anorectal malformation should include feedings with sterile water only. This approach is important to avoid complications before surgery. Gastrointestinal decompression is necessary to prevent abdominal distention and potential aspiration, making choice B incorrect. Frequent suctioning and placing the newborn in a supine position with the head elevated are not typically part of the preoperative care protocol for an anorectal malformation, thus choices A and D are incorrect.

5. Which teaching point should the nurse include when providing education to an adolescent client who participates in soccer regarding the plan of care for diabetes mellitus?

• A. Decreased food intake
• B. Increased doses of insulin
• C. Increased food intake
• D. Decreased doses of insulin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct teaching point the nurse should include is to advise the adolescent client who participates in soccer to increase food intake. Physical activity increases glucose utilization, so adolescents with diabetes need to consume additional carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia during and after exercise. Choice A (Decreased food intake) is incorrect because the adolescent needs extra carbohydrates to support the increased physical activity. Choice B (Increased doses of insulin) is incorrect as the focus should be on adjusting food intake rather than insulin doses. Choice D (Decreased doses of insulin) is also incorrect as the insulin doses should be adjusted based on the increased food intake and physical activity level.

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