Nursing Elites

1. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?

• A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
• B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
• C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
• D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.

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. Regina is a 46 y.o. woman with ulcerative colitis. You expect her stools to look like:

• A. Watery and frothy.
• B. Bloody and mucoid.
• C. Firm and well-formed.
• D. Alternating constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Stools in ulcerative colitis are typically bloody and mucoid.

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 is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which manifestations indicate deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this liver disease?

• A. Dyspnea and fatigue
• B. Ascites and orthopnea
• C. Purpura and petechiae
• D. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A liver disorder, such as cirrhosis, can disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Because of this, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.

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