Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?

• A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
• B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
• C. Remove the irrigation tube.
• D. Massage the abdomen gently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.

2. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented in the client’s record?

• A. Chronic constipation
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
• D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Crohn’s disease is characterized by nonbloody diarrhea of usually not more than four to five stools daily. Over time, the diarrhea episodes increase in frequency, duration, and severity. Chronic constipation (Choice A), constipation alternating with diarrhea (Choice C), and stool constantly oozing from the rectum (Choice D) are not characteristics typically associated with Crohn’s disease.

3. A client with peptic ulcer disease tells the nurse that he has black stools, which he has not reported to his physician. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client?

• A. Ineffective coping related to fear of diagnosis of chronic illness
• B. Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms
• C. Constipation related to decreased gastric motility
• D. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements due to gastric bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms is appropriate because the client did not report the black stools, which can be a sign of bleeding.

4. During the first few days of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, which of the following aspects should be the first priority of client care?

• A. Body image
• B. Ostomy care
• C. Sexual concerns
• D. Skin care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the initial recovery period from ostomy surgery, skin care is the first priority to prevent irritation and infection around the stoma site.

5. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instructions?

• A. Lie down after meals to promote digestion.
• B. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
• C. Take antacids before meals.
• D. Limit fluids with meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that tend to increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to avoid lying down after meals, which can aggravate reflux, and to take antacids after eating. The client doesn't need to limit fluids with meals as long as the fluids aren't gastric irritants.

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