Nursing Elites

1. The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices is:

• A. Decreased prothrombin formation
• B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
• C. Portal hypertension
• D. Increased central venous pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Portal hypertension is the most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices.

2. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?

• A. Milk products
• B. Hard cheese
• C. Turnips
• D. Cottage cheese

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test results. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned as items to avoid before collecting a stool specimen for occult blood.

3. A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need

• A. Vitamin B12 injections.
• B. Vitamin B6 injections.
• C. An antibiotic.
• D. An antacid.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.

4. Claire, a 33 y.o. is on your floor with a possible bowel obstruction. Which intervention is priority for her?

• A. Obtain daily weights.
• B. Measure abdominal girth.
• C. Keep strict intake and output.
• D. Encourage her to increase fluids.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a patient with a possible bowel obstruction, measuring abdominal girth is a priority to monitor for signs of worsening obstruction or distention.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which manifestations indicate deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this liver disease?

• A. Dyspnea and fatigue
• B. Ascites and orthopnea
• C. Purpura and petechiae
• D. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A liver disorder, such as cirrhosis, can disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Because of this, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.

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