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. Which is considered a block to effective communication?

• A. Using silence
• B. Using clichés
• C. Directing the focus
• D. Defining the problem

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using clichés is a communication block because it can come across as dismissive or insincere, hindering meaningful dialogue.

3. Which of the following is a hallmark sign of intussusception in children?

• A. Bilious vomiting
• B. "Currant jelly" stools
• C. Abdominal distention
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Currant jelly" stools, consisting of mucus and blood, are characteristic of intussusception in children. It occurs due to the telescoping of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, leading to obstruction and subsequent mucosal ischemia, causing the passage of bloody mucus in the stool. Bilious vomiting can be seen in other conditions like bowel obstruction, abdominal distention can be present but is not as specific, and constipation is less likely in the presentation of intussusception.

4. The parents of a 5-year-old child ask the nurse how they can minimize misbehavior. Which responses should the nurse give? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Set clear and reasonable goals
• B. Teach desirable behavior through your own example
• C. Don’t call attention to unacceptable behavior
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Setting clear goals, praising good behavior, and modeling appropriate behavior are effective strategies for minimizing misbehavior in children.

5. An important role of the nurse in ambulatory settings and schools is the identification of communicable diseases for treatment and the prevention of spread. What is an important component related to the first period of the contagiousness of disease?

• A. Source
• B. Causative agent
• C. Prodromal stage
• D. Constitutional symptoms

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The prodromal period is the interval between the early manifestations of the disease and the time when the overt clinical syndrome is evident. Most communicable diseases are contagious during this time. Identifying the prodromal stage is crucial for early intervention and preventing the spread of the disease. While the source and causative agent are important aspects of disease control, recognizing the early signs in the prodromal stage allows the nurse to take timely actions. Constitutional symptoms occur during the active disease phase, indicating that the child has already been contagious, and early intervention opportunities may have passed.

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