Nursing Elites

1. Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What is the priority for this patient?

• A. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
• B. Monitor for increased serum glucose levels from steroid therapy.
• C. Restrict dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to replace lost fluid and sodium. During an acute episode of ulcerative colitis, the priority is to manage the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial due to the potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Monitoring serum glucose levels (Choice B) may be important for patients on steroid therapy, but in this scenario, fluid and electrolyte balance take precedence. Restricting dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not a priority in the acute phase of ulcerative colitis. While noting changes in stool color and consistency (Choice D) is important for assessing the patient's gastrointestinal status, it is not the priority when managing acute ulcerative colitis.

2. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?

• A. Profuse vomiting.
• B. Cramping abdominal pain.
• C. Abdominal distention.
• D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.

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

• A. Reducing the size of the tumor
• B. Eliminating the malignant cells
• C. Curing the cancer
• D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery

Correct answer: A

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

4. Rob is a 46 y.o. admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of Hepatitis B. He’s jaundiced and reports weakness. Which intervention will you include in his care?

• A. Regular exercise.
• B. A low-protein diet.
• C. Allow patient to select his meals.
• D. Rest period after small, frequent meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a patient with hepatitis B who is jaundiced and reports weakness, providing rest periods after small, frequent meals is important.

5. The client with a new colostomy is concerned about the odor from the stool in the ostomy drainage bag. The nurse teaches the client to include which of the following foods in the diet to reduce odor?

• A. Yogurt
• B. Broccoli
• C. Cucumbers
• D. Eggs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yogurt helps reduce odor in the stool by promoting healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

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