Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

2. A client had an abdominal perineal resection with a colostomy 4 days ago and is ready for discharge. Which of the following would be an appropriate expected outcome at this point?

• A. The client maintains a high-fiber diet.
• B. The client discusses concerns about his sexual functioning.
• C. The client maintains bedrest.
• D. The client limits fluid intake to 1000 ml/day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients often have concerns about their sexuality after a fecal diversion. The nurse should encourage the client to discuss any questions about sexual functioning. The client will not need to maintain a high-fiber diet but will be encouraged to avoid any foods that cause odor and flatulence. The client should be able to ambulate and sit out of bed for several hours at a time at this point. Fluid intake will be encouraged, not restricted.

3. A 53 y.o. patient has undergone a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach. An NG tube is in place and is connected to low continuous suction. During the immediate postoperative period, you expect the gastric secretions to be which color?

• A. Brown.
• B. Clear.
• C. Red.
• D. Yellow.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During the immediate postoperative period after a partial gastrectomy, gastric secretions are expected to be red.

4. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?

• A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
• B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
• C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
• D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.

5. The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse used which solution for irrigation?

• A. Distilled water
• B. Tap water
• C. Sterile water
• D. Lactated Ringer’s

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tap water at body temperature is generally used for colostomy irrigation unless the local water supply is not safe for drinking, in which case bottled water can be used.

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