Nursing Elites

1. Claire, a 33 y.o. is on your floor with a possible bowel obstruction. Which intervention is priority for her?

• A. Obtain daily weights.
• B. Measure abdominal girth.
• C. Keep strict intake and output.
• D. Encourage her to increase fluids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a patient with a possible bowel obstruction, measuring abdominal girth is a priority to monitor for signs of worsening obstruction or distention.

2. Anna is 45 y.o. and has a bleeding ulcer. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her HGB is 7.5g/dl and HCT is 27%. Her doctor determines that surgical intervention is necessary and she undergoes partial gastrectomy. Postoperative nursing care includes:

• A. Giving pain medication Q6H.
• B. Flushing the NG tube with sterile water.
• C. Positioning her in high Fowler’s position.
• D. Keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care for a patient who underwent partial gastrectomy includes keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis to prevent complications.

3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

4. A client who has had gastrectomy is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor. The nurse interprets that the client has lost the ability to absorb cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the

• A. Stomach.
• B. Small intestine.
• C. Large intestine.
• D. Colon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach but is used to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Vitamin B12 is not absorbed in the large intestine (options 3 and 4).

5. If a gastric acid perforates, which of the following actions should not be included in the immediate management of the client?

• A. Blood replacement
• B. Antacid administration
• C. Nasogastric tube suction
• D. Fluid and electrolyte replacement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antacid administration should not be included in the immediate management of a gastric perforation.

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