Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with esophageal varices?

• A. Recognizing hemorrhage
• B. Controlling blood pressure
• C. Encouraging nutritional intake
• D. Teaching the client about varices

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus for a client with esophageal varices is recognizing hemorrhage because these varices can rupture and cause significant bleeding.

2. The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery for 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increases abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
• B. Notify the physician.
• C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible.
• D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and should notify the physician. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the physician probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.

3. 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.

4. Which goal of the client’s care should take priority during the first days of hospitalization for an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis?

• A. Promoting self-care and independence
• B. Managing diarrhea
• C. Maintaining adequate nutrition
• D. Promoting rest and comfort

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Managing diarrhea should take priority during the first days of hospitalization for an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.

5. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

• A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
• B. Pulling the tube back slightly
• C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
• D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

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