Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is reviewing the physician’s orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client’s chart?

• A. NPO status
• B. Insert a nasogastric tube
• C. An anticholinergic medication
• D. Morphine for pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Morphine for pain should be questioned as it can cause spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, worsening pancreatitis.

2. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?

• A. Fast for 8 hours before the test
• B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast
• C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
• D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fasting for 8 hours ensures that the stomach is empty, which is necessary for an accurate barium swallow test.

3. The nurse would assess the client experiencing an acute episode of cholecystitis for pain that is located in the right:

• A. Upper quadrant and radiates to the left scapula and shoulder
• B. Upper quadrant and radiates to the right scapula and shoulder
• C. Lower quadrant and radiates to the umbilicus
• D. Lower quadrant and radiates to the back

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pain from cholecystitis is typically located in the right upper quadrant and may radiate to the right scapula and shoulder.

4. Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative teaching, Gail states,”If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I’ll avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?” What is the best response?

• A. You’ll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours.
• B. It’s always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery.
• C. The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours.
• D. Why don’t you decide about activity after you return from the recovery room?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response to Gail is to inform her that she will need to turn from side to side every 2 hours to prevent complications.

5. A nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and the bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer dilaudid
• B. Notify the physician
• C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible
• D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on a warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should promptly notify the physician.

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