Nursing Elites

1. A patient with Crohn’s disease is admitted after 4 days of diarrhea. Which of the following urine specific gravity values do you expect to find in this patient?

• A. 1.005
• B. 1.011
• C. 1.02
• D. 1.03

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.030 indicates concentrated urine, which is expected in a patient with dehydration due to diarrhea from Crohn’s disease.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
• B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
• C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
• D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.

3. The student nurse is preparing a teaching care plan to help improve nutrition in a patient with achalasia. You include which of the following:

• A. Swallow foods while leaning forward.
• B. Omit fluids at mealtimes.
• C. Eat meals sitting upright.
• D. Avoid soft and semisoft foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Eating meals while sitting upright helps improve swallowing and prevent complications in patients with achalasia.

4. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?

• A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
• B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

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

• A. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
• 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 warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and should notify the physician. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the physician probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.

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