Nursing Elites

1. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that

• A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
• B. This is a normal, expected event.
• C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
• D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.

2. Annebell is being discharged with a colostomy, and you’re teaching her about colostomy care. Which statement correctly describes a healthy stoma?

• A. At first, the stoma may bleed slightly when touched.
• B. The stoma should appear dark and have a bluish hue.
• C. A burning sensation under the stoma faceplate is normal.
• D. The stoma should remain swollen away from the abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A healthy stoma may bleed slightly when touched initially, which is normal.

3. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?

• A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
• B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
• C. Remove the irrigation tube.
• D. Massage the abdomen gently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.

4. A client with a peptic ulcer reports epigastric pain that frequently awakens her at night, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, and a feeling of anxiety about her health. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?

• A. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements related to anorexia.
• B. Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain
• C. Ineffective Coping related to exacerbation of duodenal ulcer
• D. Activity Intolerance related to abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain is appropriate because the client reports pain that frequently awakens her at night.

5. 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.

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