Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?

• A. Perforation
• B. Obstruction
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Intractability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms described in the question are consistent with perforation of the ulcer, which then progresses to peritonitis if the perforation is large enough. The client with intestinal obstruction most likely would complain of abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. The client with hemorrhage would be vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material or would be expelling black, tarry, or bloody stools. Intractability is a term that refers to continued symptoms of a disease process, despite ongoing medical treatment.

2. You’re caring for Jane, a 57 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Before her paracentesis, you instruct her to:

• A. Empty her bladder.
• B. Lie supine in bed.
• C. Remain NPO for 4 hours.
• D. Clean her bowels with an enema.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before paracentesis, instruct the patient to empty her bladder to avoid bladder injury during the procedure.

3. Colon cancer is most closely associated with which of the following conditions?

• A. Appendicitis
• B. Hemorrhoids
• C. Hiatal hernia
• D. Ulcerative colitis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is a condition closely associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer due to chronic inflammation of the colon.

4. Which of the following tasks should be included in the immediate postoperative management of a client who has undergone gastric resection?

• A. Monitoring gastric pH to detect complications
• B. Assessing for bowel sounds
• C. Providing nutritional support
• D. Monitoring for symptoms of hemorrhage

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring for symptoms of hemorrhage is a crucial part of the immediate postoperative management of a client who has undergone gastric resection.

5. 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.

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