how should a nurse care for a patient with a colostomy

ATI LPN

ATI Comprehensive Predictor PN

1. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a colostomy?

A. Empty the colostomy bag regularly
B. Provide a high-fiber diet
C. Monitor for signs of infection
D. Change the colostomy bag every 3 days

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag regularly is essential to prevent leakage and infection. By regularly emptying the bag, the risk of irritation to the skin surrounding the stoma is reduced. Providing a high-fiber diet is important for overall bowel health but is not directly related to colostomy care. While monitoring for signs of infection is crucial, the primary focus should be on proper bag emptying. Changing the colostomy bag every 3 days may not be necessary for all patients and could vary based on individual needs and the type of colostomy.

2. What are the signs of opioid withdrawal, and how should it be managed?

A. Sweating, nausea; administer methadone
B. Muscle cramps, vomiting; administer naloxone
C. Tremors, sweating; administer buprenorphine
D. Fever, agitation; provide sedatives

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs of opioid withdrawal typically include sweating and nausea. The correct management approach involves administering methadone to alleviate the symptoms. Choice B is incorrect because naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose, not for managing withdrawal symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as buprenorphine is typically used to treat opioid addiction, not just withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as sedatives are not the primary treatment for opioid withdrawal.

3. What are the nursing responsibilities when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics?

A. Verify the antibiotic dosage and check for allergies
B. Administer the medication without verification
C. Do not check for allergies or dosage
D. Ensure the patient is allergic to antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering IV antibiotics, it is essential for the nurse to verify the antibiotic dosage and check for any allergies the patient may have. This is crucial to ensure that the correct medication is being given at the proper dose and to prevent potential adverse reactions. Choice B is incorrect because administering medication without verification can lead to errors. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against safe medication administration practices. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on checking if the patient has allergies to antibiotics, not ensuring the patient is allergic to them.

4. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

5. A client with hypertension is receiving lifestyle education from a nurse. What should be emphasized?

A. Encourage a low-sodium diet
B. Advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks
C. Recommend increasing high-protein foods
D. Advise the client to reduce fat intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid caffeinated drinks. Caffeine can temporarily increase blood pressure, so avoiding caffeinated drinks can help manage hypertension. Encouraging a low-sodium diet (Choice A) is essential for hypertension management as excess sodium can raise blood pressure. Increasing high-protein foods (Choice C) is not a primary focus in managing hypertension. While reducing fat intake (Choice D) can be beneficial for overall health, it is not the priority in lifestyle modifications for hypertension.