Nursing Elites

1. The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important assessment is for the nurse to:

• A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
• B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
• C. Regularly assess respiratory status
• D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regularly assessing respiratory status is crucial when a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted to control bleeding in esophageal varices.

2. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?

• A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
• B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
• C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
• D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.

3. Which of the following aspects is the priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis?

• A. Fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Gastric irrigation
• C. Pain management
• D. Psychosocial issues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis is fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent shock.

4. Donald is a 61 y.o. man with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is characterized by:

• A. Periodic rectal hemorrhage.
• B. Hypertension and tachycardia.
• C. Vomiting and elevated temperature.
• D. Crampy and lower left quadrant pain and low-grade fever.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by crampy lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever.

5. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
• B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
• C. Quickly insert the tube.
• D. Notify the physician immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.

Similar Questions