The nurse notes the first stool of a newborn is black and tarry. Which term is used to describe this type of stool?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Meconium is the term used to describe the first stool of a newborn. This stool is black and tarry in appearance. Meconium is made up of materials ingested by the fetus while in the uterus, such as mucus, amniotic fluid, and cells shed from the stomach and intestines. It is typically passed by a newborn within the first few days of life before transitioning to transitional stools, which are greenish-brown in color, and eventually to normal milk stools as the baby starts feeding on breast milk or formula.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The term that best describes the identification of the distribution and causes of disease, injury, or illness is the epidemiologic process. Epidemiology is the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in populations. Through the epidemiologic process, health professionals can investigate and understand the distribution of diseases, determine risk factors, and develop strategies for prevention and control. Nursing process refers to the systematic method nurses use to provide patient-centered care. Community-based statistics are data collected from a specific community for various purposes. Mortality and morbidity statistics provide information on deaths and disease rates but do not encompass the comprehensive approach of the epidemiologic process in understanding the causes and distribution of diseases.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The presentation of perianal inflammation with satellite lesions that cross the inguinal folds is highly suggestive of a Candida albicans (yeast) diaper rash. Yeast diaper rash is characterized by redness, swollenness, and usually involves the skin folds. The warm, moist environment created by a diaper provides an ideal setting for Candida albicans to grow and cause a rash. The presence of satellite lesions that cross the inguinal folds further supports the diagnosis of a yeast infection rather than other causes like impetigo, irritation from urine and feces, or infrequent diapering. Treatment for yeast diaper rash typically involves antifungal creams or ointments.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Marasmus is a form of severe malnutrition characterized by a significant deficiency in calories and protein intake. Symptoms of marasmus include severe wasting of muscle and fat stores, giving the appearance of loose, wrinkled skin due to the loss of subcutaneous fat. Other symptoms may include lethargy, irritability, delayed growth and development, and weakened immune function. Edematous skin is more commonly associated with kwashiorkor, another form of severe malnutrition characterized by protein deficiency with adequate caloric intake. Depigmentation of the skin and dermatoses are not typical symptoms of marasmus.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should include in the instructions to shampoo every three days with a mild soap. Seborrheic dermatitis, commonly known as cradle cap in infants, is a common condition characterized by greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. Mild cases of cradle cap typically do not require aggressive treatment. Using a mild soap and shampooing every few days can help loosen the scales and prevent buildup without causing irritation to the infant's delicate skin. It is important not to shampoo too frequently or use harsh products as this can exacerbate the condition. Additionally, the loosened crusts can be gently massaged and removed after shampooing with a soft brush or cloth, but it is not necessary to use a fine-toothed comb, as this may cause skin irritation.