a nurse is caring for a client who has a fecal impaction which actions should the nurse take when digitally evacuating the stool

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Test Bank

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a fecal impaction. Which action should the nurse take when digitally evacuating the stool?

A. Insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall
B. Apply lubricant and stimulate peristalsis
C. Apply pressure to the abdomen to assist with removal
D. Increase fluid intake before the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action when digitally evacuating a fecal impaction is to insert a lubricated gloved finger and advance along the rectal wall. This technique helps prevent trauma and effectively dislodge the impacted stool. Choice B, applying lubricant and stimulating peristalsis, is incorrect as it does not directly address the evacuation of the impacted stool. Choice C, applying pressure to the abdomen, is inappropriate and may cause discomfort or harm to the client. Choice D, increasing fluid intake before the procedure, is not directly related to the immediate evacuation of the fecal impaction.

2. What is the best intervention for a patient with dehydration?

A. Administer IV fluids
B. Provide oral fluids
C. Encourage fluid intake
D. Administer electrolytes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering IV fluids is the best intervention for a patient with dehydration because it is the fastest and most effective way to rehydrate the body. IV fluids can quickly restore fluid volume and electrolyte balance in severe cases of dehydration. Providing oral fluids or encouraging fluid intake may not be sufficient for patients with moderate to severe dehydration, as they may have impaired gastrointestinal absorption. While electrolytes are essential for rehydration, administering them alone without fluid replacement may not address the primary issue of fluid loss in dehydration.

3. What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia?

A. Administer IV dextrose
B. Administer oral glucose
C. Monitor blood sugar levels
D. Recheck blood sugar in 15 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention for a patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia is to administer IV dextrose. This intervention is necessary to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in critical situations. Administering oral glucose may not be effective in severe cases as the patient may be unable to consume it. Monitoring blood sugar levels and rechecking blood sugar in 15 minutes are important steps but not the initial best intervention for severe hypoglycemia.

4. What is the most important nursing action for a patient post-surgery?

A. Monitor vital signs
B. Monitor the surgical site
C. Check blood pressure
D. Check oxygen saturation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial nursing action for a patient post-surgery is to monitor vital signs. Monitoring vital signs helps in detecting early signs of complications such as hemorrhage, shock, or infection. While monitoring the surgical site is important for assessing wound healing and signs of infection, it is secondary to monitoring vital signs. Checking blood pressure and oxygen saturation are also important, but they are components of monitoring vital signs.

5. A patient is scheduled to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Prime IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride
B. Use a 24-gauge IV catheter
C. Obtain filterless IV tubing
D. Place blood in the warmer for 1 hour

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Priming the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride is crucial before administering packed RBCs as it prevents hemolysis and ensures the safe transfusion of blood. Using a smaller 20- to 22-gauge IV catheter is recommended for packed RBCs to prevent hemolysis due to the small tubing size and faster flow rate. Obtaining filterless IV tubing is incorrect as blood products should be administered through a specialized filter to prevent potential clots or contaminants from reaching the patient. Placing blood in the warmer for an hour is unnecessary and could lead to overheating, potentially causing harm to the patient.