Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client diagnose with pancreatitis. The nurse anticipates that the client would not experience an elevation of which of the following enzymes?

• A. Lipase
• B. Lactase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactase is produced in the small intestine and aids in splitting neutral fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Lipase, amylase, and trypsin are produced in the pancreas and aid in the digestion of fats, starches, and proteins, respectively.

2. After an abdominal resection for colon cancer, Madeline returns to her room with a Jackson-Pratt drain in place. The purpose of the drain is to:

• A. Irrigate the incision with a saline solution.
• B. Prevent bacterial infection of the incision.
• C. Measure the amount of fluid lost after surgery.
• D. Prevent accumulation of drainage in the wound.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the Jackson-Pratt drain is to prevent the accumulation of drainage in the wound after an abdominal resection.

3. Leigh Ann is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis. Which observation best indicates the treatment is effective?

• A. There is no skin breakdown.
• B. Her appetite improves.
• C. She loses more than 10 lbs.
• D. Stools are less fatty and decreased in frequency.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The effectiveness of pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis is best indicated by stools being less fatty and decreased in frequency.

4. The nurse is performing a colostomy irrigation on a client. During the irrigation, a client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Increase the height of the irrigation
• C. Stop the irrigation temporarily.
• D. Medicate with dilaudid and resume the irrigation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If a client experiences abdominal cramps during a colostomy irrigation, it is appropriate to stop the irrigation temporarily to allow the cramps to subside.

5. Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?

• A. Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents.
• B. Irrigating with normal saline and observing for the return of solution.
• C. Placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles.
• D. Instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area for the presence of the tube.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial way to determine if a nasogastric tube is in the stomach is to apply suction to the tube with a syringe and observe for the return of stomach contents. Then the pH of the aspirate can be measured. This is the method of choice. One would not irrigate until tube placement is confirmed. Observing for air bubbles when the free end of the tube is placed under water is an unacceptable, unsafe method of determining tube placement. Another method is to instill air into the tube with a syringe while auscultating over the epigastric area. Hearing the air enter the stomach helps ensure proper placement, but the method is not foolproof and is no longer considered an effective or preferred way to determine placement.

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