Nursing Elites

1. A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• B. White blood cell count.
• C. Hematocrit.
• D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.

2. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?

• A. Abdominal cramping and pain
• B. Bradycardia and indigestion
• C. Sweating and pallor
• D. Double vision and chest pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Early manifestations of dumping syndrome occur 5 to 30 minutes after eating. Symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down.

3. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?

• A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
• B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
• C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
• D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.

4. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stools less watery?

• A. Pasta
• B. Boiled rice
• C. Bran
• D. Low-fat cheese

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bran is high in fiber and should not be consumed to thicken the stool as it will make the stools more watery.

5. Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit?

• A. Abdominal distention
• B. Abdominal pain and rigidity
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Right upper quadrant pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the early stages of peritonitis, the client would exhibit abdominal pain and rigidity due to inflammation.

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