Nursing Elites

1. A 6-month-old infant with Hirschsprung disease is scheduled for a temporary colostomy. What should postoperative teaching to the parents include?

• A. Dilating the stoma
• B. Assessing bowel function
• C. Limitation of physical activities
• D. Measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postoperative teaching should focus on assessing bowel function to ensure the colostomy is functioning properly. This includes monitoring stool output, color, consistency, and signs of infection or blockage. Choice A, dilating the stoma, is not recommended without healthcare provider guidance, as it can lead to complications. Choice C, limitation of physical activities, may not be as crucial immediately after colostomy creation. Choice D, measures to prevent prolapse of the rectum, is more relevant for conditions like rectal prolapse and not specifically for a colostomy.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Which pediatric condition is characterized by a "string sign" on an upper GI series?

• A. Intussusception
• B. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
• C. Hirschsprung disease
• D. Meckel diverticulum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The "string sign" is associated with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, a condition where the pyloric canal is narrowed, leading to gastric outlet obstruction. Intussusception (choice A) typically presents with colicky abdominal pain and currant jelly stools. Hirschsprung disease (choice C) is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal colon. Meckel diverticulum (choice D) is a congenital outpouching of the small intestine that can present with painless rectal bleeding.

5. Which nursing intervention should be included in the postoperative care of a child following a tonsillectomy?

• A. Encourage the child to blow the nose gently
• B. Notify the physician if mucus is observed in the emesis
• C. Position the child supine in the immediate postoperative period
• D. Avoid giving citrus juice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Avoid giving citrus juice.' Citrus juice can irritate the throat after a tonsillectomy, so it should be avoided. Choice A is incorrect because blowing the nose gently is not a recommended intervention following a tonsillectomy. Choice B is incorrect as mucus in emesis is not uncommon postoperatively and does not necessarily require physician notification. Choice C is incorrect as positioning the child supine immediately postoperatively can increase the risk of airway obstruction and should be avoided.

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