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 clinical manifestation(s) should the nurse expect to see as shock progresses in a child and becomes decompensated shock?

• A. Thirst
• B. Irritability
• C. Apprehension
• D. Confusion and somnolence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As shock progresses and decompensation occurs, confusion and somnolence are indicative of reduced cerebral perfusion. Early signs include thirst and irritability, while confusion and altered consciousness appear as the condition worsens.

3. A 4-month-old infant is discharged home after surgery for the repair of a cleft lip. What should instructions to the parents include?

• A. Provide crib toys for distraction
• B. Breast- or bottle-feeding can begin immediately
• C. Give pain medication to the infant to minimize crying
• D. Leave the infant in the crib at all times to prevent suture strain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pain management is essential postoperatively to reduce crying, which could place strain on the surgical site. Feeding and holding the infant are allowed, but care should be taken to avoid placing pressure on the suture line.

4. What information does the nurse include when teaching parents about nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management in children?

• A. May reduce pain perception.
• B. Make pharmacologic strategies unnecessary.
• C. Usually take too long to implement.
• D. Trick children into believing they do not have pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'May reduce pain perception.' When teaching parents about nonpharmacologic strategies for pain management in children, the nurse should include information that these techniques may help reduce pain perception, make the pain more tolerable, decrease anxiety, and enhance the effectiveness of analgesics. It is important to note that nonpharmacologic techniques should be learned before the pain occurs, and it is beneficial to use both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures for pain control. Choice B is incorrect because nonpharmacologic strategies do not make pharmacologic strategies unnecessary but rather complement them. Choice C is incorrect as nonpharmacologic techniques, when properly learned and applied, do not usually take too long to implement. Choice D is incorrect as the goal of nonpharmacologic strategies is not to trick children into believing they do not have pain, but to help them cope with and manage their pain effectively.

5. Which is usually the only symptom of pediculosis capitis (head lice)?

• A. Itching
• B. Vesicles
• C. Scalp rash
• D. Localized inflammatory response

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Itching is typically the primary and most common symptom of pediculosis capitis due to the lice bites on the scalp.

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