Nursing Elites

1. The child is admitted with acute abdominal pain and possible appendicitis. What intervention is appropriate to relieve the abdominal discomfort during the evaluation?

• A. Place the child in the Trendelenburg position.
• B. Apply moist heat to the abdomen.
• C. Allow the child to assume a position of comfort.
• D. Administer a saline enema to cleanse the bowel.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the child to assume a position of comfort is appropriate as it helps alleviate discomfort without the risk of complications. Placing the child in the Trendelenburg position could increase intra-abdominal pressure and worsen the condition. Applying moist heat may lead to vasodilation and potential perforation in case of appendicitis. Administering a saline enema can be harmful if the appendix is inflamed or perforated.

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. In general, how much is a child that was 10 pounds at birth expected to weigh at 6 months old?

• A. Double = 20 lbs
• B.
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A child is expected to double their birth weight by 6 months. This is a common guideline used to monitor healthy growth and development in infants. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not provide the expected weight based on the given information.

4. A child is admitted with suspected pyloric stenosis. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Monitor for signs of metabolic acidosis
• B. Observe for projectile vomiting
• C. Provide large, infrequent feedings to allow for rest
• D. Place the infant in a supine position after feeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Observe for projectile vomiting.' Projectile vomiting is a classic sign of pyloric stenosis, caused by obstruction at the pylorus. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis, often occurs due to the loss of hydrochloric acid from persistent vomiting. Choice C is incorrect as frequent, small feedings are preferred to prevent overloading the stomach. Choice D is incorrect as placing the infant in an upright position after feeding can help reduce reflux.

5. A teenager is accompanied by his mother to the annual physical examination. The nurse is aware of privacy issues related to the teenager. While the mother is in the room, which topic should the nurse avoid?

• A. School performance
• B. Seatbelt use
• C. Cigarette smoking
• D. School friends

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cigarette smoking. Discussing sensitive topics like cigarette smoking in the presence of a parent may inhibit the teenager's willingness to be open and honest. It's important to provide an opportunity for the teenager to speak privately with the healthcare provider. Choices A, B, and D are more general topics that can be discussed openly in front of the parent without compromising the teenager's privacy or comfort.

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