Pediatric ATI Practice Exam

Which child is an appropriate roommate for an 8-year-old with sickle cell anemia?

1. Child with common cold

2. 10-year-old male postoperative appendectomy

3. 7-year-old with asthma

4. 9-year-old with chickenpox

The correct answer is: 10-year-old male postoperative appendectomy

An appropriate roommate for an 8-year-old with sickle cell anemia is a child who has undergone a postoperative procedure, such as an appendectomy. After surgery, the child is likely to be monitored for pain relief and may be more sedentary during recovery, which minimizes the risk of transmitting infections that could trigger complications in the child with sickle cell anemia. Children with sickle cell anemia are at increased risk for infections due to their compromised immune systems and the complications associated with their condition. Choosing a roommate who is neither actively sick nor contagious is critical. The other options pose a risk of infection either through respiratory illness, like the child with a common cold; a contagious viral infection, as seen with chickenpox; or potential asthma exacerbations that can be triggered by stress or illness. Pairing the child with the postoperative appendectomy creates a safer environment for the child with sickle cell anemia while ensuring that both children can recover and maintain their health without additional complications.