Nursing Elites

1. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to

• A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
• B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
• C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
• D. Select foods high in fat.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.

2. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

• A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
• B. Pulling the tube back slightly
• C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
• D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

3. A client is admitted to the hospital with acute viral hepatitis. Which of the following signs or symptoms would the nurse expect to note based on this diagnosis?

• A. Spider angiomas
• B. Fatigue
• C. Pale urine
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Common signs of acute viral hepatitis include weight loss, dark urine, and fatigue. The client is anorexic, possibly from a toxin produced by the diseased liver, and finds food distasteful. The urine darkens because of excess bilirubin being excreted by the kidneys. Fatigue occurs during all phases of hepatitis.

4. A client with ulcerative colitis has an order to begin salicylate medication to reduce inflammation. The nurse instructs the client to take the medication:

• A. 30 minutes before meals
• B. On an empty stomach
• C. After meals
• D. On arising

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: After meals. Salicylate medications for ulcerative colitis should be taken after meals to minimize gastrointestinal irritation and enhance absorption. Taking the medication on an empty stomach (Choice B) may increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it 30 minutes before meals (Choice A) may not provide enough protection for the stomach lining. Taking it on arising (Choice D) is not recommended as it may not coincide with the peak absorption times of the medication.

5. A client being treated for chronic cholecystitis should be given which of the following instructions?

• A. Increase rest
• B. Avoid antacids
• C. Increase protein in diet
• D. Use anticholinergics as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using anticholinergics as prescribed can help manage the symptoms of chronic cholecystitis.

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