Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate intervention for a child with suspected acute appendicitis?

• A. Administer antibiotics
• B. Apply heat to the abdomen
• C. Encourage oral fluids
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prepare for surgery. Acute appendicitis is a surgical emergency that requires prompt removal of the appendix to prevent complications like rupture and peritonitis. Administering antibiotics (choice A) may be part of the treatment plan but should not delay surgical intervention. Applying heat to the abdomen (choice B) is not recommended as it can worsen the inflammation of the appendix. Encouraging oral fluids (choice C) is generally beneficial, but the priority in acute appendicitis is surgical intervention.

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. What is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children?

• A. Gastroenteritis
• B. Constipation
• C. Appendicitis
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constipation is the most common cause of abdominal pain in school-aged children. It is often due to dietary factors such as low fiber intake or insufficient fluid consumption. Chronic constipation can lead to complications like fecal impaction and soiling, highlighting the importance of early recognition and treatment. Gastroenteritis, although common, typically presents with diarrhea and vomiting. Appendicitis is more common in adolescents and typically presents with right lower quadrant pain. Irritable bowel syndrome is less common in children and is characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with defecation.

4. The nurse is caring for an adolescent who is overweight. Which of the following psychological effects of being overweight during adolescence will the nurse consider when planning care for the adolescent?

• A. Poor body image
• B. Sexual promiscuity
• C. Feelings of contempt for thin peers
• D. Lack of independence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Adolescents who are overweight often struggle with poor body image, which can lead to low self-esteem and mental health issues. Addressing body image concerns and promoting healthy lifestyle changes are important aspects of care. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Sexual promiscuity is not a direct psychological effect of being overweight; feelings of contempt for thin peers are not a common or recommended psychological response; lack of independence is a broad term that does not specifically relate to the psychological effects of being overweight.

5. Physiologically, the child compensates for fluid volume losses by which mechanism?

• A. Inhibition of aldosterone secretion
• B. Hemoconcentration to reduce cardiac workload
• C. Fluid shift from interstitial space to intravascular space
• D. Vasodilation of peripheral arterioles to increase perfusion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In response to dehydration, the body compensates by shifting fluids from the interstitial spaces to the intravascular space to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. Hemoconcentration and vasoconstriction are other compensatory mechanisms but are less immediate.

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