Nursing Elites

1. A four-year-old boy is admitted to the hospital with leg pain and fever. He is pale-looking and has bruises over various areas of his body. The physician suspects acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Which test would be used to confirm the diagnosis?

• A. Bone marrow aspirate
• B. Red blood cell count
• C. Lumbar puncture
• D. Bone scan

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A bone marrow aspirate is the definitive test to confirm acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in this case. It allows for the examination of leukemic cells in the bone marrow, providing a direct assessment of the disease. Red blood cell count (Choice B) is not specific for diagnosing leukemia but may show anemia commonly seen in leukemia patients. Lumbar puncture (Choice C) is used to assess central nervous system involvement, not primarily for confirming ALL. Bone scan (Choice D) is not a standard diagnostic test for ALL and is mainly used for evaluating bone metastases in other conditions.

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. 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. At a well-child check-up, the nurse notes that an infant with a previous diagnosis of failure to thrive (FTT) is now steadily gaining weight. The nurse should recommend that fruit juice intake be limited to no more than how much?

• A. 4 oz/day
• B. 6 oz/day
• C. 8 oz/day
• D. 12 oz/day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting fruit juice intake to no more than 4 oz per day for infants, as excessive juice can contribute to poor nutrition and dental issues.

5. The nurse is conducting discharge teaching to an adolescent with a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. What should the nurse include in the instructions?

• A. Avoid sharing of towels and washcloths
• B. All are applicable
• C. Use bleach when laundering towels and washcloths
• D. Take a daily bath or shower with an antibacterial soap

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding sharing of towels and washcloths, using bleach when laundering, and taking daily baths with antibacterial soap are critical to prevent the spread of MRSA. Cold water is not effective for laundering in these cases.

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