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 a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants?

• A. Dry cough
• B. Wheezing
• C. Stridor
• D. Productive cough

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wheezing. Wheezing is a key distinguishing feature of bronchiolitis in infants, typically caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. Bronchiolitis is characterized by inflammation and mucus buildup in the small airways of the lungs, leading to wheezing sounds during breathing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because dry cough, stridor, and productive cough are not typical features of bronchiolitis in infants.

3. 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.

4. The nurse is assessing a 3-year-old child. Which assessment finding would the nurse identify as abnormal?

• A. Pedals tricycle without assistance
• B. Unscrews a bolt on a toy
• C. Falls when bending over to touch toes
• D. Builds a tower of 10 cubes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Falling when bending over to touch toes could indicate a developmental delay or a balance issue that may need further assessment. Choices A, B, and D are typical developmental milestones for a 3-year-old child. Pedaling a tricycle without assistance, unscrewing a bolt on a toy, and building a tower of 10 cubes are all age-appropriate activities for a child of this age.

5. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?

• A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
• B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
• C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
• D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.

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