Nursing Elites

1. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?

• A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
• B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
• C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
• D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.

2. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Restricting pain medication
• B. Maintaining bedrest
• C. Avoiding coughing
• D. Irrigating the drain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.

3. Which of the following definitions best describes diverticulosis?

• A. An inflamed outpouching of the intestine
• B. A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine
• C. The partial impairment of the forward flow of intestinal contents
• D. An abnormal protrusion of an organ through the structure that usually holds it

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine.' Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that can form in the lining of the digestive system, especially the colon. These pouches are typically noninflamed. Choice A is incorrect because it describes diverticulitis, which is the inflammation of these pouches. Choice C is incorrect as it defines bowel obstruction, not diverticulosis. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a hernia, not diverticulosis.

4. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instructions?

• A. Lie down after meals to promote digestion.
• B. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
• C. Take antacids before meals.
• D. Limit fluids with meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that tend to increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to avoid lying down after meals, which can aggravate reflux, and to take antacids after eating. The client doesn't need to limit fluids with meals as long as the fluids aren't gastric irritants.

5. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that

• A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
• B. This is a normal, expected event.
• C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
• D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.

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