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 carrying on a conversation with a 7-year-old child during an office visit. Which is an example of the level of language development the nurse should expect in this child?

• A. Fascination with bathroom language
• B. Difficulty understanding the concept of 'half past' in reference to time
• C. Ability to carry on an adult conversation
• D. Inability to speak in full sentences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Understanding time concepts like 'half past' can be challenging for a 7-year-old, indicating the level of language development. Choice A is incorrect as fascination with bathroom language is common in this age group but not necessarily indicative of language development. Choice C is incorrect as a 7-year-old typically cannot carry on an adult conversation due to cognitive and experiential limitations. Choice D is incorrect as by the age of 7, children should be able to speak in full sentences.

3. A thorough systemic physical assessment is necessary in the extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infant to detect what?

• A. Weight gain reflective of fluid retention
• B. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment
• C. Subtle changes that may be indicative of an underlying problem
• D. Changes in Apgar score over the first 24 hours of life

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, a thorough systemic physical assessment is crucial to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying problem. These infants are highly vulnerable and may show signs of stress through changes in feeding behavior, activity, color, oxygen saturation, or vital signs. Monitoring weight in ELBW infants primarily reflects genitourinary function rather than fluid retention. Difficulties in maternal-child attachment are important but are usually assessed during parental visits and are not the primary focus of a systemic physical assessment. Changes in the Apgar score are used immediately after birth to assess the transition to extrauterine life and are not as relevant in the following 24 hours to detect ongoing subtle issues.

4. A 3-year-old child was adopted immediately after birth. The parents have just asked the nurse how they should tell the child that she is adopted. Which guideline concerning adoption should the nurse use in planning a response?

• A. It is best to wait until the child asks about it.
• B. The best time to tell the child is between the ages of 7 and 10 years.
• C. It is not necessary to tell a child who was adopted so young.
• D. Telling the child is an important aspect of their parental responsibilities.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is important to tell children about their adoption early, in an age-appropriate manner, as part of building trust and openness in the family relationship.

5. If the needs of the infant are met in a loving, consistent manner, the infant will develop a sense of:

• A. Trust
• B. Love
• C. Independence
• D. Responsibility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trust. According to Erikson's psychosocial development theory, when infants receive consistent and loving care, they develop trust. This trust forms the basis of the first stage of psychosocial development, known as Trust vs. Mistrust. Trust is essential for healthy social and emotional development. Choice B, Love, is incorrect as it is more of an emotion than a developmental stage. Choice C, Independence, typically occurs later in development during Erikson's Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt stage. Choice D, Responsibility, is also not the correct answer as it relates more to later stages of development where individuals develop a sense of duty and obligation.

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