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. The mother of a child with type 1 diabetes asks the nurse why her child cannot avoid all those ‘shots’ and take pills like an uncle does. How should the nurse respond?

• A. The pills work with adult pancreases only.
• B. Your child needs insulin replaced, and the oral hypoglycemic only add to an existing supply of insulin.
• C. The drugs affect fat and protein metabolism, not sugar.
• D. Perhaps when your child is older the pancreas will produce its own insulin, and then your child can take oral hypoglycemic agents.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Children with type 1 diabetes require insulin replacement because their pancreas produces little or no insulin. Oral hypoglycemics used in type 2 diabetes work by improving the effectiveness of insulin the body already makes, which is not sufficient in type 1 diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because the issue is not about the pancreas being adult or child-specific but rather the type of diabetes. Choice C is incorrect because it misstates the mechanism of action of the medications. Choice D is incorrect because it provides inaccurate information about the potential for the child's pancreas to produce insulin in the future, which is unlikely in type 1 diabetes.

3. As children grow and develop, their style of play changes. Which play style is seen in the preschooler?

• A. Solitary
• B. Associative
• C. Cooperative
• D. Parallel

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Associative. Associative play is common in preschoolers, where children engage in separate activities but interact by sharing toys and talking with each other. This stage is characterized by more social interaction than solitary play (option A), where children play alone without interacting with others. Cooperative play (option C) involves children working together towards a common goal, which is typically seen in older children. Parallel play (option D) is when children play alongside each other but do not actively engage with one another, which is more common in toddlers.

4. What procedure is most appropriate for the assessment of an abdominal circumference related to a bowel obstruction?

• A. Measuring the abdomen after feedings
• B. Marking the point of measurement with a pen
• C. Measuring the circumference at the symphysis pubis
• D. Using a new tape measure with each assessment to ensure accuracy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Marking the point of measurement ensures consistent and accurate assessments of abdominal circumference, especially important in conditions like bowel obstruction where changes need to be monitored closely.

5. What should the healthcare provider consider when providing support to a family whose infant has just been diagnosed with biliary atresia?

• A. The prognosis for full recovery is excellent.
• B. Death usually occurs by 6 months of age.
• C. Liver transplantation may be needed eventually.
• D. Children with surgical correction live normal lives.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When supporting a family whose infant has been diagnosed with biliary atresia, it is important to consider that liver transplantation may be needed eventually. Biliary atresia is a serious condition where bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder is blocked or absent. While surgical interventions like the Kasai procedure can temporarily improve bile flow and delay the need for transplantation, the long-term survival often depends on liver transplantation as the child grows older. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the prognosis for full recovery is not excellent as biliary atresia is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing medical management, death usually does not occur by 6 months of age but the condition does require intervention, and not all children with surgical correction can live normal lives without the need for further interventions like transplantation.

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