Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important intervention in the management of a child with sickle cell crisis?

• A. Administration of iron supplements
• B. Initiation of high-calorie diet
• C. Administration of pain relief
• D. Limiting fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important intervention in managing a child with sickle cell crisis is the administration of pain relief. During a sickle cell crisis, severe pain is a prominent symptom due to vaso-occlusive episodes. Effective pain management, along with adequate hydration and oxygen therapy, is crucial in treating a sickle cell crisis and preventing further complications. Choice A, the administration of iron supplements, is not the priority during a sickle cell crisis. Iron supplements are typically used to manage anemia in individuals with sickle cell disease but are not the primary intervention during a crisis. Choice B, the initiation of a high-calorie diet, is not the most critical intervention during a sickle cell crisis. While proper nutrition is important in managing sickle cell disease, it is not the immediate priority during a crisis. Choice D, limiting fluid intake, is not recommended during a sickle cell crisis. Hydration is essential in managing sickle cell crisis to prevent complications like dehydration and further vaso-occlusive episodes.

2. Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

• A. High serum pH
• B. Normal serum pH
• C. Metabolic alkalosis
• D. Metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.

3. The nurse is teaching a parent of a 6-month-old infant with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) before discharge. What instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Elevate the head of the bed in the crib to a 90-degree angle while the infant is sleeping.
• B. Hold the infant in the prone position after a feeding.
• C. Discontinue breastfeeding so that a formula and rice cereal mixture can be used.
• D. Prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) should be given 30 minutes before feedings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cimetidine is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid, helping manage GER. Holding the infant in the prone position is not recommended due to the risk of SIDS. Breastfeeding should not be discontinued unless advised by a physician. Elevating the head to 90 degrees is excessive.

4. What approach is the most appropriate when performing a physical assessment on a toddler?

• A. Demonstrate the use of equipment
• B. Perform traumatic procedures last
• C. Use minimum physical contact initially
• D. Always proceed systematically in a head-to-toe direction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate approach when performing a physical assessment on a toddler is to use minimum physical contact initially. This helps gain the toddler's cooperation and reduces their distress. Performing traumatic procedures last is crucial as they are likely to upset the child and should be handled with care. Demonstrating the use of equipment may be complex for toddlers to understand, so it is not the most appropriate initial approach. Proceeding systematically in a head-to-toe direction is a good practice but using minimum physical contact initially is more important to establish trust and cooperation with the toddler.

5. Which action should the nurse implement when taking an axillary temperature?

• A. Take the temperature through one layer of clothing
• B. Add a degree to the result when recording
• C. Place the tip of the thermometer under the arm in the center of the axilla
• D. Hold the child's arm away from the body while taking the temperature

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct technique involves placing the thermometer tip in the center of the axilla to ensure an accurate reading, with the arm held close to the body.

Similar Questions