Nursing Elites

1. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?

• A. Fast for 8 hours before the test.
• B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast.
• C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
• D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A barium swallow is an x-ray study that uses a substance called barium for contrast to highlight abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, depending on physician instructions. Most oral medications also are withheld before the test. After the procedure the nurse must monitor for constipation, which can occur as a result of the presence of barium in the gastrointestinal tract.

2. Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy’s sign?

• A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
• B. On deep palpation and release, pain is elicited
• C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
• D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Murphy's sign is described as pain elicited on deep inspiration when the examiner's fingers are placed under the right costal margin.

3. Which of the following treatments is used for rectal cancer but not for colon cancer?

• A. Chemotherapy
• B. Colonoscopy
• C. Radiation
• D. Surgical resection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Radiation therapy is commonly used for rectal cancer to shrink the tumor before surgery, which is not typically done for colon cancer.

4. A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:

• A. Treating hypovolemia.
• B. Treating hypervolemia.
• C. Controlling the bleeding source.
• D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage, your interventions include treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source.

5. 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.

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