Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The hospitalized client with GERD is complaining of chest discomfort that feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid, the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?

• A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
• B. On the stomach with the head flat
• C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
• D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees helps prevent reflux by keeping stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus.

3. The client with a duodenal ulcer may exhibit which of the following findings on assessment?

• A. Hematemesis
• B. Malnourishment
• C. Melena
• D. Pain with eating

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Melena (black, tarry stools) can be an indication of a duodenal ulcer.

4. Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit?

• A. A change in appetite
• B. A change in bowel habits
• C. An increase in body weight
• D. An increase in body temperature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A change in bowel habits is the most common symptom of colon cancer.

5. A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?

• A. Perforation
• B. Obstruction
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Intractability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms described in the question are consistent with perforation of the ulcer, which then progresses to peritonitis if the perforation is large enough. The client with intestinal obstruction most likely would complain of abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. The client with hemorrhage would be vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material or would be expelling black, tarry, or bloody stools. Intractability is a term that refers to continued symptoms of a disease process, despite ongoing medical treatment.

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