Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?

• A. Flat neck veins
• B. Hypotension
• C. Weak pulse
• D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.

2. A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?

• A. Swelling of the abdomen
• B. Bloody diarrhea
• C. Vomiting blood
• D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.

3. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?

• A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
• B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
• C. Quickly insert the tube.
• D. Notify the physician immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.

4. The hospitalized client with gastroesophageal reflux disease 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: The discomfort of reflux is aggravated by positions that compress the abdomen and the stomach. Lying flat on the back (supine) or on the stomach (prone) after a meal can exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, lying on the right side can worsen reflux. The most appropriate position to alleviate discomfort in a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease is lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle. This position helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, providing relief to the client.

5. 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.

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