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. One of the most critical needs of the infant is control of body temperature. The nurse caring for a newborn warms all equipment that comes in direct contact with the newborn to help prevent which type of heat loss?

• A. Convection
• B. Evaporation
• C. Conduction
• D. Radiation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is Conduction (choice C). Conduction heat loss occurs when the newborn’s skin comes into direct contact with a cooler surface, so warming equipment helps prevent this. Choice A, Convection, is the transfer of heat through air or water currents, not direct contact. Choice B, Evaporation, is the loss of heat through moisture on the skin evaporating, not direct contact. Choice D, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of waves or particles, not direct contact.

3. What is the recommended method to assess hydration status in infants?

• A. Capillary refill time
• B. Skin turgor
• C. Urine output
• D. Mucous membranes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Urine output. Assessing urine output is a recommended method to determine hydration status in infants. Adequate urine output indicates good hydration, while decreased urine output may suggest dehydration. Capillary refill time (Choice A) is more indicative of circulatory status rather than hydration. Skin turgor (Choice B) is a useful assessment in adults but can be less reliable in infants. Checking mucous membranes (Choice D) can provide some information on hydration, but it is not as reliable as assessing urine output in infants.

4. The parents of a child with sickle cell anemia ask why their child did not have a sickle cell crisis until he was approximately 6 months old. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Your child probably had a crisis, and you were unaware of the symptoms.
• B. Are you sure your child has sickle cell anemia and not sickle cell trait?
• C. Affected children can be asymptomatic in early infancy because of high levels of fetal hemoglobin that inhibit sickling.
• D. Have you asked your doctor about this yet?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is present in high levels during early infancy, inhibiting sickling unlike adult hemoglobin (HbS). As the levels of HbF decrease and HbS increases, the risk of sickling and crises becomes more pronounced, typically after 6 months of age. Choice A is incorrect because it assumes the crisis went unnoticed, which is not supported by medical knowledge. Choice B is incorrect as it questions the child's diagnosis rather than explaining the phenomenon of delayed crises. Choice D is incorrect as it does not provide the parents with the necessary information regarding their query.

5. The nurse is explaining different parenting styles to a group of parents. The nurse explains that an authoritative parenting style can lead to which child behavior?

• A. Shyness
• B. Self-reliance
• C. Submissiveness
• D. Self-consciousness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An authoritative parenting style, which balances warmth with firmness, is associated with fostering self-reliance and independence in children.

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