Nursing Elites

1. Melena, the passage of black, tarry stools, suggests bleeding from which source?

• A. The perianal or rectal area
• B. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• C. The lower GI tract
• D. Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Melena indicates bleeding from the upper GI tract. The black, tarry appearance of the stool results from the partial digestion of blood as it passes through the intestines, typically originating from sources like the stomach or duodenum. Lower GI bleeding usually presents as bright red blood in the stool, originating from sources like the colon or rectum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because melena specifically points to upper GI bleeding rather than issues in the perianal/rectal area, lower GI tract, or hemorrhoids/anal fissures.

2. The nurse is teaching the mother of a 9-month-old infant about administering liquid iron preparation. Which information should be included in the teaching?

• A. Adequate dosage will turn the stools a tarry, black color.
• B. Give Vitamin D to enhance absorption.
• C. Allow the liquid iron to mix with saliva before swallowing.
• D. Give the liquid iron with meals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Iron supplements can cause stools to turn black, which is a normal and harmless side effect. Iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach, although it can be given with food if gastrointestinal upset occurs. Vitamin C, not D, enhances iron absorption. Choice B is incorrect because Vitamin C enhances iron absorption, not Vitamin D. Choice C is incorrect as there is no need to mix liquid iron with saliva before swallowing. Choice D is incorrect because iron is best absorbed on an empty stomach.

3. What is the most common complication following surgical correction of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in infants?

• A. Gastroesophageal reflux
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Stricture formation
• D. Aspiration pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most common complication following surgical correction of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in infants is stricture formation. This complication occurs due to the healing process after surgery, leading to the narrowing of the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux (Choice A) can be a concern but is not the most common complication. Respiratory distress (Choice B) may happen but is not the primary complication. Aspiration pneumonia (Choice D) is a risk but is typically not as common as stricture formation in these cases.

4. Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. What is a benefit of using an implanted port (e.g., Port-a-Cath)?

• A. You do not need to pierce the skin for access.
• B. It is easy to use for self-administered infusions.
• C. The patient does not need to limit regular physical activity, including swimming.
• D. The catheter cannot dislodge from the port even if the child plays with the port site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implanted ports like the Port-a-Cath are fully implanted under the skin, allowing the child to maintain regular physical activities, including swimming, without the risk of dislodging the catheter. Piercing the skin is still required for access, and self-administration is more complex.

5. The LPN is caring for a 1-month-old patient post-surgery. Which pain scale is expected to be used to evaluate post-op pain?

• A. Oucher
• B. Wong-Baker FACES
• C. FLACC
• D. 0-10 pain scale

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The FLACC (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) scale is commonly used to assess pain in infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. This scale is particularly useful in assessing post-operative pain in infants as it evaluates different behaviors and physiological responses to pain. The Oucher scale is more commonly used with children who are older and can provide self-report of pain intensity. Wong-Baker FACES scale is primarily used with children who are older and can indicate their pain level by pointing to facial expressions. The 0-10 pain scale is typically used with older children and adults who can rate their pain on a numerical scale.

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