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. Your goal is to minimize David’s risk of complications after a heriorrhaphy. You instruct the patient to:

• A. Avoid the use of pain medication.
• B. Cough and deep breathe Q2H.
• C. Splint the incision if he can’t avoid sneezing or coughing.
• D. Apply heat to scrotal swelling.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instruct the patient to splint the incision if he can't avoid sneezing or coughing to minimize the risk of complications after heriorrhaphy.

3. Your patient, Christopher, has a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and has severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output. This may indicate which complication?

• A. Fistula.
• B. Bowel perforation.
• C. Bowel obstruction.
• D. Abscess.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output in a patient with ulcerative colitis may indicate bowel perforation.

4. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?

• A. Dark brown
• B. Bile green
• C. Bright red
• D. Cloudy white

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dark brown drainage is expected for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
• B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
• C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
• D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.

Similar Questions