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 physician tells the parents of a 2-year-old that the child probably has RSV. The parents ask how the diagnosis will be confirmed. How should the nurse respond?

• A. We will swab your child's nose and send the secretions for testing.
• B. There is no specific test for RSV. The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
• C. We will send a viral culture to an outside lab for testing.
• D. There is no specific test for RSV. The diagnosis is based on symptoms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. RSV is typically diagnosed by swabbing the nose and testing the secretions. This method helps confirm the presence of the respiratory syncytial virus. Choice B is incorrect because while symptoms are important in diagnosis, specific tests like swabbing for RSV do exist. Choice C is incorrect as sending a viral culture to an outside lab is not the primary method for diagnosing RSV. Choice D is a duplicate of choice B and is incorrect for the same reasons.

3. The nurse is preparing to complete documentation on a patient's chart. Which should be included in documentation of nursing care? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Reassessments
• B. Nursing care provided
• C. Initial assessments
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper documentation includes reassessments, initial assessments, care provided, and the patient's response, but incident reports are typically documented separately.

4. Which parental statement indicates correct understanding of information presented regarding the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in infants?

• A. "We will add green leafy vegetables to our child’s low-iron formula."
• B. "We will discontinue the use of vitamin C supplements by 6 months of age."
• C. "We will begin an iron-fortified infant cereal at 4 to 6 months of age."
• D. "We will introduce cow’s milk by 6 months of age."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Introducing iron-fortified cereal between 4 to 6 months of age is a recommended practice to prevent iron deficiency anemia in infants. Iron-fortified infant cereals are a good source of iron for infants. Choices A and B are incorrect because adding green leafy vegetables to low-iron formula and discontinuing vitamin C supplements do not directly address the prevention of iron deficiency anemia. Choice D is incorrect because cow's milk should be avoided before 12 months of age as it is low in iron and can lead to intestinal blood loss, increasing the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

5. The nurse has just started assessing a young child who is febrile and appears ill. There is hyperextension of the child's head (opisthotonos) with pain on flexion. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Ask the parent when the neck was injured
• B. Refer for immediate medical evaluation
• C. Continue assessment to determine the cause of the neck pain
• D. Record head lag on the assessment record and continue the assessment of the child

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Opisthotonos with pain on flexion is a sign of possible meningitis or other serious neurological conditions, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

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