Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer?

• A. Abdominal CT scan
• B. Abdominal x-ray
• C. Colonoscopy
• D. Fecal occult blood test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fecal occult blood test should be performed annually for individuals over age 50 to screen for colon cancer.

3. Your patient, Christopher, has a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and has severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output. This may indicate which complication?

• A. Fistula.
• B. Bowel perforation.
• C. Bowel obstruction.
• D. Abscess.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output in a patient with ulcerative colitis may indicate bowel perforation.

4. The client with Crohn’s disease has a nursing diagnosis of Acute Pain. The nurse would teach the client to avoid which of the following in managing this problem?

• A. Lying supine with the legs straight
• B. Massaging the abdomen
• C. Using antispasmodic medication
• D. Using relaxation techniques

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In managing acute pain associated with Crohn’s disease, the client should avoid lying supine with the legs straight. This position increases muscle tension in the abdomen, potentially aggravating inflamed intestinal tissues as the abdominal muscles are stretched. Massaging the abdomen, using antispasmodic medication, and employing relaxation techniques are beneficial in alleviating pain. Massaging can help relax abdominal muscles, antispasmodic medication can reduce spasms contributing to pain, and relaxation techniques aid in overall pain management. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are appropriate interventions for managing pain in clients with CroCrohn’s disease.

5. The client has orders for a nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. During the procedure, instructions that will assist in the insertion would be:

• A. Instruct the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion
• B. After insertion into the nostril, instruct the client to extend his neck
• C. Introduce the tube with the client’s head tilted back, then instruct him to keep his head upright for final insertion
• D. Instruct the client to hold his chin down, then back for insertion of the tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion helps facilitate the NG tube insertion.

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