The blood smear of infant with hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis) typically shows the following EXCEPT

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of pediatric nursing, understanding the blood smear characteristics in hemolytic disease of the newborn (erythroblastosis fetalis) is crucial for providing effective care to infants. The correct answer is D) low white blood cell count. In hemolytic disease of the newborn, the destruction of red blood cells leads to anemia, causing the bone marrow to increase its production of red blood cells, resulting in an increased reticulocyte count and a marked increase in nucleated red blood cells. Polychromasia, which is the presence of immature red blood cells in the blood, is also a characteristic feature due to the bone marrow response to anemia. Option D, low white blood cell count, is incorrect because hemolytic disease of the newborn primarily affects red blood cells, not white blood cells. White blood cell count is typically within normal limits in this condition. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing the characteristic findings in hemolytic disease of the newborn through blood smear analysis. Nurses need to be able to interpret these findings accurately to assist in the diagnosis and management of infants with this condition. Understanding these nuances in pediatric nursing practice is essential for providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Omphalitis (infection of the umbilical stump) for common skin and soft tissue manifestations of neonatal bacterial infections. Omphalitis is a common infection in newborns due to the presence of bacteria in the umbilical stump. This infection can quickly progress to more serious systemic infections if not treated promptly. Option A) Facial cellulitis is less common in neonates and is more commonly seen in older children and adults. Option B) Scalp abscess is also less common in neonates and is usually associated with trauma or localized infection. Option C) Fasciitis is a deep tissue infection that is rare in neonates and more commonly seen in older individuals, often associated with trauma or surgery. In an educational context, understanding the common manifestations of neonatal bacterial infections is crucial for pediatric nurses to provide timely and appropriate care to newborns. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of omphalitis, such as redness, swelling, and discharge from the umbilical stump, can help nurses intervene early and prevent the spread of infection. This knowledge is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of newborns in the neonatal period.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Decrease the risk of cerebral palsy in surviving infants. Magnesium sulfate has been shown to have neuroprotective effects in preterm infants. When administered antenatally to mothers at risk of preterm delivery, it crosses the placenta and exerts its protective effects on the developing fetal brain. This can lead to a decreased risk of cerebral palsy in surviving infants. Option A) Reduce rates of necrotizing enterocolitis is incorrect because magnesium sulfate administration is not associated with reducing the rates of this gastrointestinal condition in preterm infants. Option C) Improve overall survival is incorrect because while magnesium sulfate may have beneficial effects on specific outcomes like cerebral palsy, its use is not directly linked to improving overall survival rates of preterm infants. Option D) Decrease respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants is incorrect because although magnesium sulfate may have some effects on lung development, its primary benefit lies in neuroprotection rather than reducing respiratory distress syndrome. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the use of magnesium sulfate in preterm labor is crucial for pediatric nurses caring for premature infants. This knowledge helps nurses provide informed care, advocate for evidence-based practices, and communicate effectively with other healthcare team members and families about the potential benefits and risks of this intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition characterized by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The correct answer, B) depression, is often associated with CFS due to the significant impact of chronic illness on mental health. Individuals with CFS often experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, which are key symptoms of depression. Option A) anxiety may co-occur with CFS, but it is not as commonly associated as depression. While anxiety can exacerbate symptoms of CFS, it is not the primary psychiatric disorder often linked to this condition. Option C) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Option D) social phobia are not typically linked to CFS. These disorders involve different symptomatology and mechanisms compared to the mental health challenges commonly observed in individuals with CFS. In an educational context, understanding the psychiatric comorbidities of CFS is crucial for healthcare professionals, especially pediatric nurses, who may encounter young patients with this condition. Recognizing the association between CFS and depression can help nurses provide comprehensive care by addressing both the physical and mental health needs of pediatric patients with CFS. This knowledge can also guide appropriate referrals to mental health professionals for further evaluation and intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) anxiety disorders. Understanding the relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and comorbid disorders is crucial in pediatric nursing. Anxiety disorders are commonly associated with MDD in pediatric patients. This comorbidity can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions, making it important for pediatric nurses to be aware of this link. Dysthymic disorder (option A) is a chronic form of depression but is not as commonly associated with MDD as anxiety disorders are. Substance abuse (option C) and disruptive behavior disorders (option D) can co-occur with MDD, but anxiety disorders have a stronger association. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of recognizing common comorbidities in pediatric patients with MDD. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about these associations to provide comprehensive care and appropriate interventions. It also emphasizes the need for thorough assessments and a holistic approach to pediatric mental health care.