to accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation the nurse should examine which body areas
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Gastrointestinal System

1. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.

2. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

3. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.

4. Your patient recently had abdominal surgery and tells you that he feels a popping sensation in his incision during a coughing spell, followed by severe pain. You anticipate an evisceration. Which supplies should you take to his room?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a suspected evisceration, sterile saline solution and sterile dressings should be taken to the patient's room to cover the wound and keep it moist.

5. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that occurred approximately 2 hours earlier. It results from the breakdown of blood in the stomach due to digestive enzymes, giving it a coffee-ground appearance. Choice A is incorrect because coffee-ground emesis indicates older, partially digested blood, not fresh active bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as gastric lavage is not indicated for coffee-ground emesis. Choice D is incorrect because a transfusion of packed RBCs is not the immediate management for this presentation.

Similar Questions

After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?
You’re caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the paracentesis was effective?
Which of the following symptoms may be exhibited by a client with Crohn’s disease?
The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which manifestations indicate deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this liver disease?
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?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses