during the assessment of a clients mouth the nurse notes the absence of saliva the client is also complaining of pain near the area of the ear the cli
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Gastrointestinal System Test

1. During the assessment of a client’s mouth, the nurse notes the absence of saliva. The client is also complaining of pain near the area of the ear. The client has been NPO for several days because of the insertion of an NG tube. Based on these findings, the nurse suspects that the client is developing which of the following mouth conditions?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Parotitis. Parotitis, inflammation of the parotid glands, can occur due to the absence of saliva and dehydration, often associated with being NPO and having an NG tube. Stomatitis (choice A) is inflammation of the oral mucosa, not specifically related to absent saliva. Oral candidiasis (choice B) is a fungal infection that can occur in the mouth, not directly related to the absence of saliva. Gingivitis (choice D) is inflammation of the gums and is not typically associated with the absence of saliva and dehydration.

2. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

3. The client with a duodenal ulcer may exhibit which of the following findings on assessment?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Melena (black, tarry stools) can be an indication of a duodenal ulcer.

4. Sitty, a 66 y.o. patient underwent a colostomy for ruptured diverticulum. She did well during the surgery and returned to your med-surg floor in stable condition. You assess her colostomy 2 days after surgery. Which finding do you report to the doctor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blanched stoma 2 days after colostomy surgery should be reported to the doctor as it may indicate compromised blood flow.

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

Correct answer: A

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

Similar Questions

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A nurse is reviewing the results of serum laboratory studies drawn on a client who is suspected of having hepatitis. The nurse interprets that an elevation in which of the following studies is the most specific indicator of the disease?
The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse uses which solution for the irrigation?
The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?

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