Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and the bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer dilaudid
• B. Notify the physician
• C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible
• D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on a warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should promptly notify the physician.

2. 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.

3. After a subtotal gastrectomy, care of the client’s nasogastric tube and drainage system should include which of the following nursing interventions?

• A. Irrigate the tube with 30 ml of sterile water every hour, if needed.
• B. Reposition the tube if it is not draining well
• C. Monitor the client for N/V, and abdominal distention
• D. Turn the machine to high suction of the drainage is sluggish on low suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is crucial for ensuring proper functioning of the nasogastric tube and drainage system.

4. A client’s ulcerative colitis symptoms have been present for longer than 1 week. The nurse recognizes that the client should be assessed carefully for signs of which of the following complications?

• A. Heart failure
• B. DVT
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client should be assessed carefully for signs of hypokalemia, a common complication of prolonged ulcerative colitis symptoms.

5. A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Notify the physician.
• B. Change the dressing.
• C. Circle the amount on the dressing with a pen.
• D. Continue to monitor the drainage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Serosanguineous drainage with a small amount of bile is expected from the Penrose drain for the first 24 hours. Drainage then decreases, and the drain is removed usually within 48 hours. The nurse does not need to notify the physician. A sterile dressing covers the site and should be changed to prevent infection and skin excoriation.

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