after gastric resection surgery which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

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

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 client is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood and is diagnosed with a bleeding duodenal ulcer. The client develops a sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen. These clinical manifestations most likely indicate which of the following?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates that the ulcer has perforated.

3. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.

4. When teaching an elderly client how to prevent constipation, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To prevent constipation, elderly clients should be encouraged to get regular exercise, which promotes bowel motility.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on the first postoperative day following a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which nursing diagnosis is the most important for this client?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral tissue perfusion is a major concern in the postoperative period following an abdominal aneurysm repair. Peripheral pulses should be checked frequently during the first 24 hours. A weak or absent pulse may be a sign of embolization or graft closure, especially if accompanied by a pale, cold, mottled extremity; the nurse should immediately report this to the surgeon. Risk for infection, deficient knowledge, and activity intolerance are all important nursing diagnoses in the postoperative period, but peripheral tissue perfusion is the most immediate concern.

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