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. The nurse is assisting a child with celiac disease to select foods from a menu. What foods should the nurse suggest?

• A. Hamburger patty with no bun
• B. Spaghetti with marinara sauce
• C. Corn on the cob with butter
• D. Rice cakes with hummus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Corn on the cob with butter. Corn is a gluten-free option suitable for children with celiac disease. Choice A is incorrect because the bun contains gluten, so suggesting a hamburger patty without the bun is a better option. Choice B is not ideal as spaghetti often contains gluten, but spaghetti with marinara sauce could be a safer choice if the spaghetti is gluten-free. Choice D, rice cakes with hummus, is a gluten-free alternative, but corn on the cob is a more straightforward and common choice for children.

3. Which laboratory value at the time of diagnosis should the nurse anticipate would determine the worst prognosis for a child with leukemia?

• A. Slow response to chemotherapy
• B. Platelets of 150,000/mcL
• C. Leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL
• D. Leukocytes of 275,000/mcL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A high white blood cell count (leukocytes of 275,000/mcL) at diagnosis is associated with a worse prognosis in leukemia because it indicates a more aggressive disease with a higher tumor burden. Slow response to chemotherapy (choice A) is a consequence of the aggressive disease and not a determining factor at diagnosis. Platelets of 150,000/mcL (choice B) and leukocytes less than 10,000/mcL (choice C) are within normal ranges and not indicative of a worse prognosis in leukemia.

4. Superficial palpation of the abdomen is often perceived by the child as tickling. Which measure by the nurse is most likely to minimize this sensation and promote relaxation?

• A. Palpate another area simultaneously
• B. Ask the child not to laugh or move
• C. Begin with deeper palpation and gradually progress to superficial palpation
• D. Have the child help with palpation by placing his or her hand over the palpating hand

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Allowing the child to place their hand over the nurse's hand helps reduce the tickling sensation and increases the child's comfort during the examination.

5. When the nurse interviews an adolescent, which is especially important?

• A. Focus the discussion on the peer group
• B. Allow an opportunity to express feelings
• C. Use the same type of language as the adolescent
• D. Emphasize that confidentiality will always be maintained

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Allowing adolescents to express their feelings helps them feel heard and supported, which is crucial for effective communication.

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