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 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.

3. Two children are working on a puzzle together in the hospital playroom. Which type of play describes this activity?

• A. Solitary play
• B. Associative play
• C. Parallel play
• D. Cooperative play

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, cooperative play. In cooperative play, children work together toward a common goal, such as completing a puzzle. Solitary play (A) is when a child plays alone, associative play (B) involves children playing together but without a common goal, and parallel play (C) is when children play alongside each other without direct interaction.

4. The child is admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation?

• A. Place the child in the Trendelenburg position.
• B. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• C. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort.
• D. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to assume a position of comfort is appropriate as it helps alleviate discomfort without the risk of complications. Placing the child in the Trendelenburg position could increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen the condition. Applying moist heat may lead to vasodilation and potential perforation in case of appendicitis. Administering a saline enema can be harmful if the appendix is inflamed or perforated.

5. The presence of which pair of factors is a good predictor of a fluid deficit of at least 5% in an infant?

• A. Weight loss and decreased heart rate
• B. Capillary refill of less than 2 seconds and no tears
• C. Increased skin elasticity and sunken anterior fontanel
• D. Dry mucous membranes and generally ill appearance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes and an ill appearance are good indicators of dehydration in infants, often correlating with a fluid deficit of at least 5%. Sunken fontanels and poor skin turgor are also indicative but were not options here.

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