Nursing Elites

1. The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse used which solution for irrigation?

• A. Distilled water
• B. Tap water
• C. Sterile water
• D. Lactated Ringer’s

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tap water at body temperature is generally used for colostomy irrigation unless the local water supply is not safe for drinking, in which case bottled water can be used.

2. A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?

• A. Keep the client NPO for 2 days before surgery.
• B. Administer kanamycin (Kantrex) the night before surgery.
• C. Inform the client that chest tubes will be in place after surgery.
• D. Advise the client to limit activity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antibiotics are administered preoperatively to reduce the bacterial count in the colon. The client will be placed on a low residue diet to help cleanse the bowel before surgery but typically is not placed on NPO status until 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Laxatives and enemas may also be administered. Chest tubes would not be expected postoperatively. There is no need to limit the client's activity before surgery.

3. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Jaundiced sclerae
• C. Clay-colored stools
• D. Widened pulse pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.

4. Which of the following complications of gastric resection should the nurse teach the client to watch for?

• A. Constipation
• B. Dumping syndrome
• C. Gastric spasm
• D. Intestinal spasms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients should be taught to watch for symptoms of dumping syndrome, a common complication after gastric resection.

5. The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?

• A. The stoma is slightly edematous
• B. The stoma is dark red to purple
• C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood
• D. The stoma does not expel stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A dark red to purple stoma may indicate compromised blood flow or ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. This color change could be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the stoma tissue, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Reporting this observation promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of immediate medical concern. A slightly edematous stoma, oozing a small amount of blood, or not expelling stool may not be uncommon findings during the initial post-op period and can be managed without urgent intervention.

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