Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the operating room following the creation of a colostomy. The nurse is assessing the drainage in the pouch attached to the site where the colostomy was formed and notes serosanguineous drainage. Which nursing action is most appropriate based on this assessment?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Document the amount and characteristics of the drainage
• C. Apply ice to the stoma site
• D. Apply pressure to the site

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery, mucus and serosanguineous drainage are expected from the stoma. Documenting the amount and characteristics of the drainage is appropriate. The nurse does not need to notify the physician because this is an expected finding. Applying ice or pressure to the site is not necessary.

2. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented in the client’s record?

• A. Chronic constipation
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
• D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Crohn’s disease is characterized by nonbloody diarrhea of usually not more than four to five stools daily. Over time, the diarrhea episodes increase in frequency, duration, and severity. Chronic constipation (Choice A), constipation alternating with diarrhea (Choice C), and stool constantly oozing from the rectum (Choice D) are not characteristics typically associated with Crohn’s disease.

3. A client has a nasogastric tube inserted at the time of abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. This tube will most likely be removed when the client demonstrates:

• A. Absence of nausea and vomiting.
• B. Passage of mucus from the rectum.
• C. Passage of flatus and feces from the colostomy.
• D. Absence of stomach drainage for 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sign indicating that a client's colostomy is open and ready to function is passage of feces and flatus. When this occurs, gastric suction is ordinarily discontinued, and the client is allowed to start taking fluids and food orally. Absence of bowel sounds would indicate that the tube should remain in place because peristalsis has not yet returned. Absence of nausea and vomiting is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued. Passage of mucus from the rectum will not occur in this client because the rectum is removed in this surgery. Absence of stomach drainage is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued.

4. Jason, a 22 y.o. accident victim, requires an NG tube for feeding. What should you immediately do after inserting an NG tube for liquid enteral feedings?

• A. Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe.
• B. Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping.
• C. Get an X-ray of the tip of the tube within 24 hours.
• D. Clamp off the tube until the feedings begin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediately after inserting an NG tube for enteral feedings, aspirate for gastric secretions to confirm proper placement.

5. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?

• A. Does the pain in your abdomen radiate to your groin.
• B. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?
• C. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to your lower middle abdomen?
• D. Does the pain in your lower abdomen radiate to the hip?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not specific for the pain experienced by the client with pancreatitis.

Similar Questions