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. Pertussis vaccination should begin at which age?

• A. Birth
• B. 2 months
• C. 6 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The DTaP vaccine, which includes pertussis, is typically started at 2 months of age as part of the recommended immunization schedule.

3. During an otoscopic examination on an infant, in which direction is the pinna pulled?

• A. Up and back
• B. Up and forward
• C. Down and back
• D. Down and forward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For infants, the pinna is pulled down and back to straighten the ear canal and allow proper visualization of the tympanic membrane during otoscopic examination.

4. What do mortality statistics describe?

• A. Disease occurring regularly within a geographic location
• B. The number of individuals who have died over a specific period
• C. The prevalence of specific illness in the population at a particular time
• D. Disease occurring in more than the number of expected cases in a community

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mortality statistics describe the number of individuals who have died over a specific period, providing insight into public health concerns.

5. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

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