Nursing Elites

1. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?

• A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
• B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
• C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
• D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.

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

• A. Administer dilaudid
• 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 a warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should promptly notify the physician.

3. A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:

• A. Treating hypovolemia.
• B. Treating hypervolemia.
• C. Controlling the bleeding source.
• D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage, your interventions include treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source.

4. 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.

5. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?

• A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
• B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
• C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
• D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.

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