Nursing Elites

1. Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which lab value is most likely to be elevated?

• A. Calcium
• B. Glucose
• C. Magnesium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.

2. A client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure:

• A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach
• B. Heals the gastric mucosa
• C. Halts stress reactions
• D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A vagotomy reduces the stimulus to acid secretions by cutting the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach.

3. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?

• A. Nail beds
• B. Skin on the back of the hand
• C. Hard palate of the mouth
• D. Soles of the feet

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.

4. 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.

5. A nurse orientee is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube, and a nurse educator is observing the procedure. Which of the following supplies if obtained by the nurse orientee would indicate a need for further education regarding this procedure?

• A. Half-inch or one-inch tape
• B. Oil-soluble lubricant
• C. A glass of tap water with a straw
• D. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Water-soluble lubricant is used to lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the tube at the insertion end. An oil lubricant is not used because if the tube accidentally goes into the bronchus, pneumonia can develop. Half-inch tape is used to secure the tube after the correct placement is verified. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe is used to aspirate gastric contents to confirm placement. The client will be asked to take a sip of water through a straw to help with the passage of the tube.

Similar Questions