Nursing Elites

1. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?

• A. A cardiac monitor
• B. An intubation set
• C. A suction setup
• D. A tracheotomy set

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.

2. You’re doing preoperative teaching with Gertrude who has ulcerative colitis who needs surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir. Which information do you include?

• A. A reservoir is created that exits through the abdominal wall.
• B. A second surgery is required 12 months after the first surgery.
• C. A permanent ileostomy is created.
• D. The surgery occurs in two stages.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir occurs in two stages.

3. The nurse instructs the ileostomy client to do which of the following as a part of essential care of the stoma?

• A. Cleanse the peristomal skin meticulously
• B. Take in high-fiber foods such as nuts
• C. Massage the area below the stoma
• D. Limit fluid intake to prevent diarrhea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cleansing the peristomal skin meticulously is crucial to prevent irritation and infection around the stoma.

4. Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Increased red blood cell count
• B. Decreased serum ammonia level
• C. Increased protein level
• D. Decreased white blood cell level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for the client with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce bacterial breakdown of protein in the bowel. The medication creates an acidic environment in the bowel and causes the ammonia to leave the bloodstream and enter the colon. Ammonia then becomes trapped in the bowel. Lactulose also has a laxative effect that allows for the elimination of the ammonia.

5. A nurse is reviewing the results of serum laboratory studies drawn on a client who is suspected of having hepatitis. The nurse interprets that an elevation in which of the following studies is the most specific indicator of the disease?

• A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. Serum bilirubin
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. Blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzymes, serum bilirubin level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is nonspecific test that indicates the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body. Elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.

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