Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.

• A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
• B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
• C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
• D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to prescribe pain medications such as meperidine to manage the abdominal pain, which is a prominent symptom of the condition. The other options are incorrect because: A) Clients with acute pancreatitis are normally placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to rest the pancreas, so small, frequent high-calorie feedings are not indicated. C) Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees helps decrease tension on the abdomen and may ease pain, but it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. D) Administering antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions is not a routine intervention for acute pancreatitis.

2. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?

• A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
• B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
• C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
• D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.

3. Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit?

• A. A change in appetite
• B. A change in bowel habits
• C. An increase in body weight
• D. An increase in body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A change in bowel habits is the most common symptom of colon cancer.

4. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?

• A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
• B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
• C. Remove the irrigation tube.
• D. Massage the abdomen gently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.

5. Elmer is scheduled for a proctoscopy and has an I.V. The doctor wrote an order for 5mg of I.V. diazepam(Valium). Which order is correct regarding diazepam?

• A. Give diazepam in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
• B. Mix diazepam with 50 ml of dextrose 5% in water and give over 15 minutes.
• C. Give diazepam rapidly I.V. to prevent the bloodstream from diluting the drug mixture.
• D. Question the order because I.V. administration of diazepam is contraindicated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct method for administering I.V. diazepam is to give it in the I.V. port closest to the vein.

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