Nursing Elites

1. Parents of a child who will need hemodialysis ask the nurse, What are the advantages of a fistula over a graft or external access device for hemodialysis? (Select all that apply.)

• A. It is ready to be used immediately.
• B. All below
• C. There is less restriction of activity with a fistula.
• D. It produces dilation and thickening of the superficial vessels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A fistula typically has fewer complications, allows for greater freedom of movement, and involves natural vessel changes that improve dialysis efficiency. However, it is not ready for immediate use, which is why it may take weeks to mature before it can be used.

2. 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.

3. A child diagnosed with a soft tissue tumor is being treated with chemotherapy. Prior to administering the chemotherapy, which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to determine if the child has any capability of fighting infections?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Platelets
• D. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC) is crucial for determining the child's ability to fight infections. Neutrophils play a key role in combating bacterial infections. Monitoring the ANC is essential before administering chemotherapy, as a low ANC indicates an increased risk of infection. Hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and platelets are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity, anemia, and clotting function, respectively, but they do not directly reflect the child's capability to fight infections.

4. An infant with short bowel syndrome is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). The practitioner has added continuous enteral feedings through a gastrostomy tube. The nurse recognizes this as important for which reason?

• A. Wean the infant from TPN gradually
• B. Stimulate adaptation of the small intestine
• C. Provide additional nutrients that cannot be included in the TPN
• D. Offer parents encouragement that the child is close to discharge

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Continuous enteral feedings help stimulate the small intestine's adaptation in short bowel syndrome, promoting better nutrient absorption and eventually reducing reliance on TPN. This approach is crucial for long-term management and improving the child's prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because weaning off TPN typically occurs gradually over time, not the next day. Choice C is incorrect because TPN can be adjusted to provide necessary nutrients, and enteral feedings are mainly used to stimulate intestinal function. Choice D is incorrect as the addition of enteral feedings does not necessarily indicate imminent discharge; it primarily focuses on enhancing intestinal adaptation and reducing reliance on TPN.

5. A school-age child with celiac disease asks for guidance about snacks that will not exacerbate the disease. What snack should the nurse suggest?

• A. Pizza
• B. Pretzels
• C. Popcorn
• D. Oatmeal cookies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Popcorn is a safe snack for a child with celiac disease as it is naturally gluten-free. Other options like pizza, pretzels, and oatmeal cookies typically contain gluten unless specifically made with gluten-free ingredients, which can exacerbate celiac symptoms. Therefore, popcorn is the best option to suggest to the child to avoid any adverse effects on their condition.

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