your patient with peritonitis is npo and complaining of thirst what is your priority

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System ATI

1. Your patient with peritonitis is NPO and complaining of thirst. What is your priority?

A. Increase the I.V. infusion rate.
B. Use diversion activities.
C. Provide frequent mouth care.
D. Give ice chips every 15 minutes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide frequent mouth care. In a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and thirsty, the priority is to maintain oral hygiene and provide comfort by moistening the mouth with frequent mouth care. This helps alleviate the sensation of thirst and maintains oral health. Increasing the IV infusion rate (choice A) may not address the patient's discomfort directly related to thirst. Using diversion activities (choice B) is not as critical as addressing the patient's immediate need for oral care. Giving ice chips every 15 minutes (choice D) is not recommended for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO, as it can lead to complications or worsen the condition.

2. A client with gastric cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?

A. Abdominal cramping
B. Constant hunger
C. Feeling of fullness
D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients with gastric cancer may experience a feeling of fullness due to the presence of the tumor.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?

A. Flat neck veins
B. Hypotension
C. Weak pulse
D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.

4. You’re assessing the stoma of a patient with a healthy, well-healed colostomy. You expect the stoma to appear:

A. Pale, pink and moist
B. Red and moist
C. Dark or purple colored
D. Dry and black

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A healthy, well-healed colostomy stoma should appear red and moist.

5. Michael, a 42 y.o. man is admitted to the med-surg floor with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. His BP is 136/76, pulse 96, Resps 22 and temp 101. His past history includes hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. The doctor prescribes an NG tube. Before inserting the tube, you explain the purpose to patient. Which of the following is a most accurate explanation?

A. It empties the stomach of fluids and gas.
B. It prevents spasms at the sphincter of Oddi.
C. It prevents air from forming in the small intestine and large intestine.
D. It removes bile from the gallbladder.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Explain to the patient that the NG tube is used to empty the stomach of fluids and gas, which helps relieve symptoms of acute pancreatitis.