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 girl, age 5 1/2 years, has been sent to the school nurse for urinary incontinence three times in the past 2 days. The nurse should recommend to her parent that the first action is to have the child evaluated for what condition?

• A. School phobia
• B. Glomerulonephritis
• C. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• D. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Urinary tract infections are a common cause of sudden onset urinary incontinence in children. While school phobia and ADHD can cause behavioral changes, a medical condition like a UTI should be ruled out first.

3. The parents of a young child ask the nurse for suggestions about discipline. When discussing the use of time-outs, which should the nurse include?

• A. Send the child to his or her room if the child has one.
• B. A general rule for length of time is 1 hour per year of age.
• C. Select an area that is safe and nonstimulating, such as a hallway.
• D. If the child cries, refuses, or is more disruptive, try another approach.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Time-outs should be in a safe, nonstimulating area, with the length typically being 1 minute per year of the child's age, not 1 hour.

4. The parents of a 2-month-old boy are concerned about spoiling their son by picking him up when he cries. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Allow him to cry for no longer than 15 minutes and then pick him up
• B. Babies need comforting and cuddling. Meeting these needs will not spoil him
• C. Babies this young cry when they are hungry. Try feeding him when he cries
• D. If he isn’t soiled or wet, leave him, and he'll cry himself to sleep

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Comforting and cuddling a 2-month-old baby when they cry helps build trust and security. At this age, responding to cries does not lead to spoiling, but rather supports healthy emotional development.

5. The parent of a 1-month-old infant voices concern about the infant’s respirations. The parent states the respirations are rapid and irregular. Which information should the nurse provide?

• A. The normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is between 20 and 30 breaths per minute.
• B. The respirations of a 1-month-old infant are normally irregular and periodically pause.
• C. An infant at this age should have regular respirations.
• D. The irregularity of the infant's respirations is concerning; I will notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Irregular respirations with periodic pauses are normal in a 1-month-old infant. Choice A is incorrect because the normal respiratory rate for an infant at this age is higher than the range provided. Choice C is incorrect as irregular respirations are expected in infants. Choice D is not appropriate as irregular respirations with periodic pauses are a normal finding in young infants and do not necessarily indicate a concern that requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

Similar Questions