Nursing Elites

1. A client has been diagnosed with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Which information is most important for the nurse to reinforce with the client?

• A. It is a condition in which one or more tumors, called gastrinomas, form in the pancreas or in the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum).
• B. It is critical to promptly report any findings of peptic ulcers to your health care provider.
• C. Treatment consists of medications to reduce acid and heal any peptic ulcers and, if possible, surgery to remove any tumors.
• D. The average age at diagnosis is 50 years, and peptic ulcers may occur in unusual areas of the stomach or intestine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prompt reporting of peptic ulcers is crucial in managing Zollinger-Ellison syndrome to prevent complications and guide treatment. While choices A, C, and D provide relevant information about the condition and its treatment, the most important aspect in the client's care is the prompt reporting of peptic ulcers. This is because untreated peptic ulcers in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome can lead to serious complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation. Therefore, ensuring timely communication with the healthcare provider is essential for effective management of the condition.

2. A newly admitted adult client has a diagnosis of hepatitis A. The charge nurse should reinforce to the staff members that the most significant routine infection control strategy, in addition to hand washing, to be implemented is which of these?

• A. Apply appropriate signs outside and inside the room
• B. Apply a mask with a shield if there is a risk of fluid splash
• C. Wear a gown to change soiled linens from incontinence
• D. Have gloves on while handling bedpans with feces

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to have gloves on while handling bedpans with feces. Hepatitis A is transmitted through the fecal-oral route, and using gloves during such direct contact with feces is crucial in preventing the transmission of the infection. Choice A is not directly related to infection control for hepatitis A. Choice B is more relevant to preventing droplet transmission rather than fecal-oral transmission. Choice C is important for preventing contact transmission from soiled linens but is not as directly related to the mode of transmission of hepatitis A as using gloves when handling feces.

3. The nurse is teaching an 87-year-old client methods for maintaining regular bowel movements. The nurse would caution the client to AVOID

• A. Glycerin suppositories
• B. Fiber supplements
• C. Laxatives
• D. Stool softeners

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Laxatives. Laxatives can be harsh on elderly clients, leading to dependence and potential side effects. While fiber supplements (B) and stool softeners (D) are generally safe options to promote regular bowel movements, laxatives should be used cautiously in older adults due to their potential risks. Glycerin suppositories (A) can also be a safe and effective option for managing constipation in the elderly, but laxatives should be avoided unless deemed necessary by a healthcare provider.

4. Which of these clients with associated lab reports is a priority for the nurse to report to the public health department within the next 24 hours?

• A. An infant with a positive stool culture for Shigella
• B. An elderly factory worker with a positive lab report for acid-fast bacillus smear
• C. A young adult commercial pilot with a positive histopathological examination for Pneumocystis carinii from an induced sputum
• D. A middle-aged nurse with a history of varicella-zoster virus and crops of vesicles on an erythematous base appearing on the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a positive acid-fast bacillus smear in an elderly factory worker suggests tuberculosis, a serious communicable disease that must be reported promptly to the public health department to prevent its spread. Choice A is incorrect as Shigella is an important pathogen, but it does not require immediate public health reporting. Choice C is incorrect because Pneumocystis carinii is an opportunistic pathogen and does not require urgent public health reporting. Choice D is incorrect as varicella-zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles, both of which are not reportable diseases to the public health department.

5. A client with pneumococcal pneumonia had been started on antibiotics 16 hours ago. During the nurse's initial evening rounds, the nurse notices a foul smell in the room. The client makes all of these statements during their conversation. Which statement would alert the nurse to a complication?

• A. I have a sharp pain in my chest when I take a breath.
• B. I have been coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum.
• C. I have been sweating all day.
• D. I feel hot off and on.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Coughing up foul-tasting, brown, thick sputum suggests a possible abscess or secondary infection, requiring attention. Choice A may indicate pleurisy, but the focus should be on the sputum. Choice C may be non-specific and could be related to the infection or fever. Choice D is non-specific and may be expected during an infection.

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