Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is scheduling diagnostic tests for a client. If all of the following diagnostic tests are ordered, which would be performed last?

• A. Gallbladder series
• B. Barium enema
• C. Barium swallow
• D. Oral cholecystogram

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Barium swallow.' A barium swallow should be done after a barium enema or gallbladder series to prevent the contrast used in the barium swallow from obstructing the view of other organs. It takes several days for swallowed barium to pass completely out of the gastrointestinal tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a barium swallow should be the last test performed to ensure clear imaging without interference from residual contrast material.

2. Elmer is scheduled for a proctoscopy and has an I.V. The doctor wrote an order for 5mg of I.V. diazepam(Valium). Which order is correct regarding diazepam?

• A. Give diazepam in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
• B. Mix diazepam with 50 ml of dextrose 5% in water and give over 15 minutes.
• C. Give diazepam rapidly I.V. to prevent the bloodstream from diluting the drug mixture.
• D. Question the order because I.V. administration of diazepam is contraindicated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct method for administering I.V. diazepam is to give it in the I.V. port closest to the vein.

3. A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
• B. White blood cell count.
• C. Hematocrit.
• D. Serum glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.

4. You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:

• A. Formed
• B. Semisolid
• C. Semiliquid
• D. Watery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is typically formed.

5. Five days after undergoing surgery, a client develops a small-bowel obstruction. A Miller-Abbott tube is inserted for bowel decompression. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• B. Acute pain
• C. Deficient fluid volume
• D. Excess fluid volume

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a client with a small-bowel obstruction and a Miller-Abbott tube, deficient fluid volume is the priority nursing diagnosis.

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