Nursing Elites

1. After an abdominal resection for colon cancer, Madeline returns to her room with a Jackson-Pratt drain in place. The purpose of the drain is to:

• A. Irrigate the incision with a saline solution.
• B. Prevent bacterial infection of the incision.
• C. Measure the amount of fluid lost after surgery.
• D. Prevent accumulation of drainage in the wound.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the Jackson-Pratt drain is to prevent the accumulation of drainage in the wound after an abdominal resection.

2. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?

• A. Milk products
• B. Hard cheese
• C. Turnips
• D. Cottage cheese

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test results. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned as items to avoid before collecting a stool specimen for occult blood.

3. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that

• A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
• B. This is a normal, expected event.
• C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
• D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.

4. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?

• A. Profuse vomiting.
• B. Cramping abdominal pain.
• C. Abdominal distention.
• D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.

5. Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery for which of the following reasons?

• A. Reducing the size of the tumor
• B. Eliminating the malignant cells
• C. Curing the cancer
• D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Radiation therapy is used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove.

Similar Questions