Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?

• A. Does the pain in your abdomen radiate to your groin.
• B. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?
• C. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to your lower middle abdomen?
• D. Does the pain in your lower abdomen radiate to the hip?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not specific for the pain experienced by the client with pancreatitis.

2. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

3. After a subtotal gastrectomy, care of the client’s nasogastric tube and drainage system should include which of the following nursing interventions?

• A. Irrigate the tube with 30 ml of sterile water every hour, if needed.
• B. Reposition the tube if it is not draining well
• C. Monitor the client for N/V, and abdominal distention
• D. Turn the machine to high suction of the drainage is sluggish on low suction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is crucial for ensuring proper functioning of the nasogastric tube and drainage system.

4. A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid?

• A. I should take my antacid before I take my other medications.
• B. I need to decrease my intake of fluids so that I don’t dilute the effects of my antacid.
• C. My antacid will be most effective if I take it whenever I experience stomach pains.
• D. It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is best for the client to take the antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals to ensure effectiveness.

5. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?

• A. Concave, midline umbilicus
• B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
• C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
• D. Absence of a bruit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.

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