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. What is the primary concern in a child with nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperlipidemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hyperlipidemia. Children with nephrotic syndrome often present with hyperlipidemia due to altered lipid metabolism, making it a primary concern in these patients. Hypotension (choice A) is not a primary concern in nephrotic syndrome. Hyperkalemia (choice B) and hypocalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with nephrotic syndrome and are less likely to be primary concerns in these patients.

3. The parents of a young child ask the nurse for suggestions about discipline. When discussing the use of time-outs, which should the nurse include?

• A. Send the child to his or her room if the child has one.
• B. A general rule for length of time is 1 hour per year of age.
• C. Select an area that is safe and nonstimulating, such as a hallway.
• D. If the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, try another approach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Time-outs should be in a safe, nonstimulating area, with the length typically being 1 minute per year of the child's age, not 1 hour.

4. When checking the intravenous (IV) site on a child, the nurse should take which action?

• A. Look at the site.
• B. Ask the child if the site hurts.
• C. Look at the site while palpating the area.
• D. Take all the tape off, assess the site, and redress.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Looking at and palpating the IV site helps assess for signs of infiltration or infection, such as swelling, redness, or pain. Simply looking or asking the child may miss subtle signs, and removing all the tape unnecessarily disrupts the site.

5. What is the most common piece of medical equipment that can transmit harmful microorganisms among patients?

• A. Thermometer
• B. Stethoscope
• C. Injection needle
• D. Disposable gloves

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stethoscope. A stethoscope is commonly used between patients, and if not correctly disinfected, it can be a dangerous source of spreading microorganisms. Thermometers typically have barriers to prevent this type of transmission. Injection needles are discarded immediately after use and not reused, making them an unlikely source of transmission. Similarly, disposable gloves are not reused, so they are also not a common source of harmful microorganism transmission.

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