Nursing Elites

1. The pain of a duodenal ulcer can be distinguished from that of a gastric ulcer by which of the following characteristics?

• A. Early satiety
• B. Pain on eating
• C. Dull upper epigastric pain
• D. Pain on empty stomach

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pain on an empty stomach is characteristic of a duodenal ulcer, while pain on eating is characteristic of a gastric ulcer.

2. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?

• A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
• B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
• C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
• D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.

3. The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?

• A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
• B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
• C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
• D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated encourages movement of food through the esophagus by gravity. By fostering esophageal acid clearance, gravity helps keep the acidic pepsin and alkaline biliary secretions from contacting the esophagus. Elevating the foot of the bed does not affect clearance of esophageal acid. Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the left will not decrease reflux incidence. Sleeping flat without a pillow under the head does not enhance clearance.

4. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?

• A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
• B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
• C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
• D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.

5. The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates the best understanding of the medication therapy?

• A. The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid.
• B. Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach.
• C. Antacids will coat my stomach.
• D. Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cimetidine (Tagamet) works by reducing stomach acid production, which helps to manage peptic ulcer disease.

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