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 is often the initial sign of acute rheumatic fever in children?

• A. Polyarthritis
• B. Carditis
• C. Erythema marginatum
• D. Sydenham chorea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Polyarthritis is indeed frequently the initial sign of acute rheumatic fever in children. It presents as joint pain, swelling, and redness. Carditis (inflammation of the heart), Erythema marginatum (a skin rash), and Sydenham chorea (involuntary muscle movements) are typically seen in the later stages of acute rheumatic fever and not as the initial sign.

3. The nurse on a pediatric unit is writing guidelines for age-specific preparation of children for procedures based on developmental characteristics. What guideline is accurate?

• A. Inform toddlers about an upcoming procedure 2 hours before the procedure is to be performed.
• B. Inform school-age children about an upcoming procedure immediately before the procedure is scheduled to occur.
• C. Discourage parent presence during procedures on infants and toddlers.
• D. Use simple diagrams of anatomy and physiology to explain a procedure to a school-age child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using simple diagrams helps school-age children understand what to expect in a procedure, catering to their developmental level and reducing anxiety. Informing toddlers too early can increase anxiety, and parents' presence is generally comforting, not discouraging.

4. The nurse is caring for a child with the following order: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol) 20 mg IV, every 6 hours. The nurse has Methylprednisolone 100 mg in 2 mL available. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

• A. 0.4 mL
• B. 0.2 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 0.6 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct dosage to administer 20 mg is 0.4 mL, calculated by dividing the dose (20 mg) by the concentration (100 mg in 2 mL). This calculation ensures the accurate administration of the prescribed medication. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided concentration of the medication.

5. A child is refusing to use the potty and having accidents, even though he has achieved toilet training. This is an example of which type of behavior?

• A. Positive reinforcement
• B. Desensitization
• C. Phobia
• D. Regression

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, regression. Regression occurs when a child reverts to an earlier behavior, such as having accidents after being successfully toilet trained. This regression often happens due to stress or changes in routine. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because positive reinforcement involves encouraging desired behavior, desensitization is a process of reducing sensitivity to a stimulus, and phobia is an intense fear or aversion to a specific object or situation, none of which directly apply to the described situation of the child having accidents after being toilet trained.

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