Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is giving dietary instructions to a client who has a new colostomy. The nurse encourages the client to eat foods representing which of the following diets for the first 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively?

• A. High-protein
• B. High-carbohydrate
• C. Low-calorie
• D. Low-residue

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For the first 4 to 6 weeks following colostomy formation, the client should take in a low-residue diet. Following this period, the client should eat a high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. The nurse also instructs the client to add new foods, one at a time, to determine tolerance to that food.

2. Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery for which of the following reasons?

• A. Reducing the size of the tumor
• B. Eliminating the malignant cells
• C. Curing the cancer
• D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Radiation therapy is used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove.

3. Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Increased red blood cell count
• B. Decreased serum ammonia level
• C. Increased protein level
• D. Decreased white blood cell level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for the client with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce bacterial breakdown of protein in the bowel. The medication creates an acidic environment in the bowel and causes the ammonia to leave the bloodstream and enter the colon. Ammonia then becomes trapped in the bowel. Lactulose also has a laxative effect that allows for the elimination of the ammonia.

4. Your teaching Anthony how to use his new colostomy. How much skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance?

• A. 1/16”
• B. 1/4″
• C. 1/2”
• D. 1”

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When teaching a patient how to use a colostomy, only 1/16” of skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance to prevent skin irritation.

5. You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:

• A. Formed
• B. Semisolid
• C. Semiliquid
• D. Watery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is typically formed.

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