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. Which of the following medications is most effective for treating the pain associated with irritable bowel disease?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Opiates
• C. Steroids
• D. Stool softeners

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acetaminophen is often the first line of treatment for pain associated with irritable bowel disease due to its safety profile.

3. The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices is:

• A. Decreased prothrombin formation
• B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
• C. Portal hypertension
• D. Increased central venous pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Portal hypertension is the most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices.

4. A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need

• A. Vitamin B12 injections.
• B. Vitamin B6 injections.
• C. An antibiotic.
• D. An antacid.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.

5. The client with cirrhosis has ascites and excess fluid volume. Which measure will the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?

• A. Increase the amount of sodium in the diet.
• B. Limit the amount of fluids consumed.
• C. Encourage frequent ambulation.
• D. Administer magnesium antacids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Excess fluid volume, related to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal and dependent areas of the body, can occur in the client with cirrhosis. Fluids should be restricted, including fluids given in medications and meals. Sodium restriction also aids in reducing fluid volume excess.

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