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. A nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching regarding care of a child with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) that is in remission after administration of prednisone. The nurse realizes further teaching is required if the parents state what?

• A. We will keep our child away from anyone who is ill.
• B. We will be sure to administer the prednisone as ordered.
• C. We will encourage our child to eat a balanced diet, but we will watch his salt intake.
• D. We understand our child will not be able to attend school, so we will arrange for home schooling.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Children with MCNS in remission can usually return to school. Home schooling may be necessary only if there are complications. The other options show an understanding of proper care during remission.

3. Clinical manifestations of sodium excess (hypernatremia) include which signs or symptoms?

• A. Hyperreflexia
• B. Abdominal cramps
• C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
• D. Dry, sticky mucous membranes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypernatremia often presents with dry, sticky mucous membranes due to dehydration. Hyperreflexia and abdominal cramps may also occur, but dry mucous membranes are more consistently observed in cases of sodium excess.

4. When planning care for a child with a urinary tract infection, the nurse should give priority to which treatment measure?

• A. Provide adequate nutrition to prevent dehydration.
• B. Administer ordered antibiotics on schedule.
• C. Prevent enuresis.
• D. Restrict fluid.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering antibiotics on schedule is crucial in treating a UTI effectively and preventing complications. Antibiotics help to eliminate the infection-causing bacteria from the urinary tract. While maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration are important aspects of care, the priority in a UTI is to target the infection with antibiotics. Preventing enuresis (bedwetting) is not directly related to the treatment of the infection. Fluid restriction is not recommended in the management of a UTI; in fact, encouraging adequate fluid intake helps flush out bacteria from the urinary tract.

5. Which pediatric condition is characterized by a "string sign" on an upper GI series?

• A. Intussusception
• B. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Meckel diverticulum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The "string sign" is associated with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition where the pyloric canal is narrowed, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. Intussusception (choice A) typically presents with colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Hirschsprung disease (choice C) is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon. Meckel diverticulum (choice D) is a congenital outpouching of the small intestine that can present with painless rectal bleeding.

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