Nursing Elites

1. When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:

• A. Controlling abdominal pain.
• B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
• C. Preventing respiratory complications.
• D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Convalescence after hepatitis A may take weeks or even months. Boredom and depression are common problems that the client should anticipate. Abdominal pain is not usually a symptom of hepatitis A. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern is not usually a problem with hepatitis. Problems preventing respiratory complications are unlikely. To support healing, activity is strictly limited but bed rest is not prescribed.

2. Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What is the priority for this patient?

• A. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
• B. Monitor for increased serum glucose levels from steroid therapy.
• C. Restrict dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to replace lost fluid and sodium. During an acute episode of ulcerative colitis, the priority is to manage the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial due to the potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Monitoring serum glucose levels (Choice B) may be important for patients on steroid therapy, but in this scenario, fluid and electrolyte balance take precedence. Restricting dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not a priority in the acute phase of ulcerative colitis. While noting changes in stool color and consistency (Choice D) is important for assessing the patient's gastrointestinal status, it is not the priority when managing acute ulcerative colitis.

3. 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?

• A. A suture kit.
• B. Sterile water and a suture kit.
• C. Sterile water and sterile dressings.
• D. Sterile saline solution and sterile dressings.

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.

4. The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?

• A. The family's ability to take care of the client's special diet needs
• B. The family's expectation that the client will resume responsibilities and role-related activities
• C. Emotional support from the family
• D. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Emotional support from the family is the main need. A special diet doesn't focus on emotional needs. Role expectations don't address the main issue, but emotional support while the client is fulfilling these roles is important. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness will help them but not the client.

5. A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?

• A. Perforation
• B. Obstruction
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Intractability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms described in the question are consistent with perforation of the ulcer, which then progresses to peritonitis if the perforation is large enough. The client with intestinal obstruction most likely would complain of abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. The client with hemorrhage would be vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material or would be expelling black, tarry, or bloody stools. Intractability is a term that refers to continued symptoms of a disease process, despite ongoing medical treatment.

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