Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?

• A. Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents.
• B. Irrigating with normal saline and observing for the return of solution.
• C. Placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles.
• D. Instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area for the presence of the tube.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial way to determine if a nasogastric tube is in the stomach is to apply suction to the tube with a syringe and observe for the return of stomach contents. Then the pH of the aspirate can be measured. This is the method of choice. One would not irrigate until tube placement is confirmed. Observing for air bubbles when the free end of the tube is placed under water is an unacceptable, unsafe method of determining tube placement. Another method is to instill air into the tube with a syringe while auscultating over the epigastric area. Hearing the air enter the stomach helps ensure proper placement, but the method is not foolproof and is no longer considered an effective or preferred way to determine placement.

2. Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose cholecystitis?

• A. Abdominal CT scan
• B. Abdominal ultrasound
• C. Barium swallow
• D. Endoscopy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used test to diagnose cholecystitis.

3. A patient has a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Long-term medications will probably include:

• A. Antacids.
• B. Antibiotics.
• C. Corticosteroids.
• D. Histamine2-receptor blockers.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Long-term medications for a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis probably include corticosteroids.

4. A client has a nasogastric tube inserted at the time of abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. This tube will most likely be removed when the client demonstrates:

• A. Absence of nausea and vomiting.
• B. Passage of mucus from the rectum.
• C. Passage of flatus and feces from the colostomy.
• D. Absence of stomach drainage for 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sign indicating that a client's colostomy is open and ready to function is passage of feces and flatus. When this occurs, gastric suction is ordinarily discontinued, and the client is allowed to start taking fluids and food orally. Absence of bowel sounds would indicate that the tube should remain in place because peristalsis has not yet returned. Absence of nausea and vomiting is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued. Passage of mucus from the rectum will not occur in this client because the rectum is removed in this surgery. Absence of stomach drainage is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued.

5. Leigh Ann is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis. Which observation best indicates the treatment is effective?

• A. There is no skin breakdown.
• B. Her appetite improves.
• C. She loses more than 10 lbs.
• D. Stools are less fatty and decreased in frequency.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The effectiveness of pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis is best indicated by stools being less fatty and decreased in frequency.

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