A child with sickle cell anemia is admitted to the hospital during a vaso-occlusive crisis. What is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement?
- A. Administering oxygen
- B. Ensuring adequate hydration
- C. Monitoring vital signs
- D. Administering pain medication
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, ensuring adequate hydration is crucial because it helps to reduce the viscosity of the blood and prevent further sickling of the cells. Administering oxygen may be necessary in some cases to improve tissue oxygenation, but hydration is the priority to prevent complications. Monitoring vital signs is important, but hydration takes precedence during a vaso-occlusive crisis. Administering pain medication is important for pain management but does not address the underlying issue of vaso-occlusion.
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When assessing a 10-month-old infant, what developmental milestone should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Crawling
- B. Sitting without support
- C. Standing with assistance
- D. Pulling to a stand
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: At 10 months of age, pulling to a stand is a developmental milestone that most infants can achieve. Crawling typically occurs around 6-9 months, sitting without support around 6-8 months, and standing with assistance around 7-11 months. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are not the expected developmental milestones for a 10-month-old infant.
A newborn is diagnosed with metatarsus adductus. The parents ask the nurse how this occurred. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. This condition is due to a genetic defect in the bones.
- B. It's most likely from how the baby was positioned in utero.
- C. They really don't know what causes this condition.
- D. There is probably an underlying deformity of the baby's hip.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Metatarsus adductus is a condition characterized by the inward turning of the front part of the foot. It is often caused by the baby's position in the womb, leading to the foot adopting this position. Choice A is incorrect because metatarsus adductus is primarily related to positioning in utero rather than a genetic defect. Choice C is incorrect as there is an understanding of the common cause of this condition. Choice D is incorrect because metatarsus adductus specifically refers to a foot deformity, not a hip deformity.
Why should the nurse closely monitor the IV flow rate for a 5-month-old infant with severe diarrhea receiving IV fluids?
- A. Maintaining electrolyte balance
- B. Preventing dehydration
- C. Preventing fluid overload
- D. Avoiding cardiac overload
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In infants, monitoring IV flow rates is essential to prevent fluid overload, not cardiac overload. Excessive fluid administration can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema or congestive heart failure. It is crucial to maintain a balance between providing adequate hydration and avoiding fluid overload to prevent adverse outcomes. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because the primary concern is to prevent complications related to excess fluid rather than focusing on electrolyte balance, dehydration prevention, or avoiding cardiac overload.
A 6-month-old infant is brought to the emergency department in severe respiratory distress. A diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is made and the infant is admitted to the pediatric unit. What should be included in the nursing plan of care?
- A. Place the infant in a warm, dry environment.
- B. Allow parents and siblings to visit.
- C. Maintain standard and contact precautions.
- D. Administer prescribed antibiotics immediately.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to maintain standard and contact precautions. RSV is highly contagious, primarily spreading through respiratory secretions. Therefore, it is crucial to implement infection control measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the healthcare setting. Option A is incorrect as warmth and dryness are not the primary concern in RSV management. While family support is important, allowing visits may increase the risk of spreading the infection, making option B less appropriate. Option D is incorrect because RSV is a viral infection, and antibiotics are not effective against viruses.
The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old boy whose parents brought him to the clinic when they noticed that the right side of his abdomen was swollen. What finding would suggest this child has a neuroblastoma?
- A. The child has a maculopapular rash on his palms.
- B. The parents report that their son is vomiting and not eating well.
- C. The parents report that their son is irritable and not gaining weight.
- D. Auscultation reveals wheezing with diminished lung sounds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Vomiting and poor appetite are common symptoms of neuroblastoma, a malignancy that arises from neural crest cells in the adrenal glands or sympathetic nervous system. This tumor can cause abdominal swelling due to its location and size, leading to symptoms like vomiting and decreased appetite. The presence of a maculopapular rash on the palms (Choice A) is not a typical finding associated with neuroblastoma. Irritability and failure to thrive (Choice C) are nonspecific symptoms that can be seen in various conditions but are not specifically indicative of neuroblastoma. Auscultation revealing wheezing with diminished lung sounds (Choice D) may suggest respiratory conditions rather than neuroblastoma.