Nursing Elites

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

• A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
• B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
• C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
• D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle

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.

2. The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important assessment is for the nurse to:

• A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
• B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
• C. Regularly assess respiratory status
• D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Regularly assessing respiratory status is crucial when a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted to control bleeding in esophageal varices.

3. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.” Which response is most therapeutic?

• A. I know just how you feel.
• B. You seem upset.
• C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
• D. Why do you think you have cancer?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.

4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

5. The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred?

• A. Sunken and hidden stoma
• B. Dark- and bluish-colored stoma
• C. Narrowed and flattened stoma
• D. Protruding stoma

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A protruding stoma is indicative of stoma prolapse, which occurs when the bowel protrudes excessively through the stoma.

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