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 purpose of using cimetidine (Tagamet) for gastroesophageal reflux?

• A. The medication reduces gastric acid secretion.
• B. The medication neutralizes the acid in the stomach.
• C. The medication increases the rate of gastric emptying time.
• D. The medication coats the lining of the stomach and esophagus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that works by reducing gastric acid secretion. This action helps to decrease the acidity in the stomach, which in turn reduces the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Choice B is incorrect because cimetidine does not neutralize acid but rather decreases its production. Choice C is incorrect as cimetidine does not affect the rate of gastric emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as cimetidine does not coat the lining of the stomach and esophagus but instead works to reduce gastric acid secretion.

3. What is an essential nursing care intervention for a neonate with a suspected tracheoesophageal fistula?

• A. Feed glucose water only.
• B. Elevate the patient's head for feedings.
• C. Raise the patient's head and give nothing by mouth.
• D. Avoid suctioning unless the infant is cyanotic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Raising the patient’s head and giving nothing by mouth is crucial in managing tracheoesophageal fistula. This intervention helps prevent aspiration and further complications until surgical correction can be performed. Feeding the neonate or suctioning could exacerbate the condition by risking aspiration. Elevating the head for feedings does not address the primary concern of preventing oral intake, making it less appropriate than the correct answer.

4. What is the therapeutic intervention that provides the best chance of survival for a child with cirrhosis?

• A. Nutritional support
• B. Liver transplantation
• C. Blood component therapy
• D. Treatment with corticosteroids

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Liver transplantation offers the best chance of survival for children with cirrhosis, especially in advanced stages where the liver can no longer function effectively. Cirrhosis is a late stage of scarring of the liver caused by many forms of liver diseases and conditions, such as hepatitis and chronic alcoholism. While nutritional support, blood component therapy, and corticosteroids may be part of the treatment plan to manage symptoms and complications, they do not address the underlying cause of cirrhosis or provide a cure like liver transplantation does.

5. At which age should the nurse expect most infants to begin to say mama and dada with meaning?

• A. 4 months
• B. 6 months
• C. 10 months
• D. 14 months

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By around 10 months, infants often start to say "mama" and "dada" with meaning, associating these words with their parents.

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