Nursing Elites

1. Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Increased red blood cell count
• B. Decreased serum ammonia level
• C. Increased protein level
• D. Decreased white blood cell level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for the client with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce bacterial breakdown of protein in the bowel. The medication creates an acidic environment in the bowel and causes the ammonia to leave the bloodstream and enter the colon. Ammonia then becomes trapped in the bowel. Lactulose also has a laxative effect that allows for the elimination of the ammonia.

2. A nurse is developing a teaching plan for the client with viral hepatitis. The nurse plans to tell the client which of the following in the teaching session?

• A. Activity should be limited to prevent fatigue
• B. The diet should be low in calories
• C. Meals should be large to conserve energy
• D. Alcohol intake should be limited to 2 oz. per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client with viral hepatitis should limit activity to avoid fatigue during the recuperation period. The diet should be optimal in calories, proteins, and carbohydrates. The client should take in several small meals per day. Alcohol is strictly forbidden.

3. Type A chronic gastritis can be distinguished from type B by its ability to:

• A. Cause atrophy of the parietal cells.
• B. Affect only the antrum of the stomach.
• C. Thin the lining of the stomach walls.
• D. Decrease gastric secretions.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Type A chronic gastritis can cause atrophy of the parietal cells, which is a distinguishing feature from type B.

4. The client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate post-op period for which of the following most frequent complications of this type of surgery?

• A. Intestinal obstruction
• B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
• C. Malabsorption of fat
• D. Folate deficiency

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a common complication following ileostomy surgery due to the loss of large volumes of fluid and electrolytes through the stoma. Monitoring and replacing fluids and electrolytes is essential.

5. A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?

• A. Chief cells of the stomach
• B. Parietal cells of the stomach
• C. Lower esophageal sphincter
• D. Upper esophageal sphincter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The lower esophageal sphincter is a functional sphincter that normally remains closed except when food or fluids are swallowed. If relaxation of this sphincter occurs, the client could experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

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