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 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.

3. Several types of long-term central venous access devices are used. What is a benefit of using an implanted port (e.g., Port-a-Cath)?

• A. You do not need to pierce the skin for access.
• B. It is easy to use for self-administered infusions.
• C. The patient does not need to limit regular physical activity, including swimming.
• D. The catheter cannot dislodge from the port even if the child plays with the port site.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implanted ports like the Port-a-Cath are fully implanted under the skin, allowing the child to maintain regular physical activities, including swimming, without the risk of dislodging the catheter. Piercing the skin is still required for access, and self-administration is more complex.

4. In teaching the parent of a newly diagnosed 2-year-old child with pyelonephritis related to vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), the nurse should include which information?

• A. Limit fluids to reduce reflux.
• B. Give cranberry juice twice a day.
• C. Have siblings examined for VUR.
• D. Surgery is indicated to reverse scarring.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Siblings should be examined for VUR as it can run in families, and early detection can prevent complications. Limiting fluids is not advisable, and cranberry juice is not effective in preventing VUR. Surgery is usually not indicated for scarring reversal.

5. An infant is born with a gastroschisis. Care preoperatively should include which priority intervention?

• A. Prone position
• B. Sterile water feedings
• C. Monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes
• D. Covering the defect with a sterile bowel bag

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct priority intervention for an infant with gastroschisis is to cover the exposed abdominal contents with a sterile bowel bag. This action helps protect the intestines from injury, contamination, and dehydration before surgical repair. Choice A, placing the infant in the prone position, is not appropriate as it does not address the immediate need to protect the exposed intestines. Choice B, sterile water feedings, and Choice C, monitoring serum laboratory electrolytes, are not the priority interventions for this condition. Sterile water feedings may not provide the necessary protection for the exposed intestines, and monitoring electrolytes, while important, is secondary to the immediate need for protection and hydration of the exposed abdominal contents.

Similar Questions