Nursing Elites

1. A nurse teaches a preoperative client about the nasogastric tube that will be inserted in preparation for surgery. The nurse determines that the client understands when the tube will be removed in the postoperative period when the client states

• A. When my gastrointestinal system is healed enough.
• B. When I can tolerate food without vomiting.
• C. When my bowels begin to function again, and I begin to pass gas.
• D. When the doctor says so.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are discontinued when normal function returns to the gastrointestinal tract. The tube will be removed before gastrointestinal healing. Food would not be administered unless bowel function returns. Although the physician determines when the nasogastric tube will be removed, option 4 does not determine effectiveness of teaching.

2. Anna is 45 y.o. and has a bleeding ulcer. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her HGB is 7.5g/dl and HCT is 27%. Her doctor determines that surgical intervention is necessary and she undergoes partial gastrectomy. Postoperative nursing care includes:

• A. Giving pain medication Q6H.
• B. Flushing the NG tube with sterile water.
• C. Positioning her in high Fowler’s position.
• D. Keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care for a patient who underwent partial gastrectomy includes keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis to prevent complications.

3. A client has just had surgery for colon cancer. Which of the following disorders might the client develop?

• A. Peritonitis
• B. Diverticulosis
• C. Partial bowel obstruction
• D. Complete bowel obstruction

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After surgery for colon cancer, the client may develop a partial bowel obstruction.

4. The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client who had a subtotal gastrectomy. The nurse instructs the client regarding the signs and symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. Which of the following signs and symptoms, if identified by the client, indicates an understanding of this potential complication following gastrointestinal surgery?

• A. Hiccups and diarrhea
• B. Fatigue and abdominal pain
• C. Constipation and fever
• D. Diaphoresis and diarrhea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diaphoresis and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery when food moves quickly from the stomach to the intestine, causing fluid shifts and leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain, distension, hyperactive bowel sounds, and diarrhea. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect the typical signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome.

5. Which of the following substances is most likely to cause gastritis?

• A. Milk
• B. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda
• C. Enteric-coated aspirin
• D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are known to cause gastritis by irritating the stomach lining. Choice A, Milk, is unlikely to cause gastritis and is actually a common remedy for mild gastritis symptoms. Choice B, Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda, is often used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, not cause gastritis. Choice C, Enteric-coated aspirin, is less likely to cause gastritis compared to NSAIDs because the enteric coating helps protect the stomach lining from irritation.

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