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 child with acute gastrointestinal bleeding is admitted to the hospital. The nurse observes which sign or symptom as an early manifestation of shock?

• A. Restlessness
• B. Rapid capillary refill
• C. Increased temperature
• D. Increased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Restlessness is an early sign of shock due to decreased perfusion and oxygenation to the brain. This symptom requires immediate attention to prevent the progression to more severe stages of shock. Rapid capillary refill (Choice B) is not typically an early sign of shock but rather a sign of adequate perfusion. Increased temperature (Choice C) may occur in later stages of shock due to the body's response to stress. Increased blood pressure (Choice D) is not an early sign of shock; in fact, blood pressure tends to decrease in shock as a compensatory mechanism.

3. 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.

4. A mother tells the nurse that she does not want her infant immunized because of the discomfort associated with injections. What should the nurse explain?

• A. This cannot be prevented
• B. Infants do not feel pain as adults do
• C. This is not a good reason for refusing
• D. A topical anesthetic can be applied

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should explain that a topical anesthetic can be applied to the injection site before the immunization to reduce discomfort.

5. What is the most common complication following surgical correction of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in infants?

• A. Gastroesophageal reflux
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Stricture formation
• D. Aspiration pneumonia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most common complication following surgical correction of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in infants is stricture formation. This complication occurs due to the healing process after surgery, leading to the narrowing of the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux (Choice A) can be a concern but is not the most common complication. Respiratory distress (Choice B) may happen but is not the primary complication. Aspiration pneumonia (Choice D) is a risk but is typically not as common as stricture formation in these cases.

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