Nursing Elites

1. Six hours after major abdominal surgery, a male client complains of severe abdominal pain; is pale and perspiring; has a thready, rapid pulse; and states he feels faint. The nurse checks the client’s medication administration record and determines that the client receives another injection of pain medication in an hour. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Explain to the client that it is too early to have an injection for pain
• B. Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders
• C. Reposition the client for greater comfort and turn on the television as a distraction
• D. Prepare the injection and administer it to the client early because of the severe pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is option B: Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders. The client is displaying symptoms that indicate potential complications, such as internal bleeding, which require immediate medical evaluation. Option A is incorrect because the client's condition suggests a more urgent need for assessment. Option C is inappropriate as it does not address the seriousness of the client's symptoms. Option D is dangerous and could exacerbate any underlying issue the client may be experiencing.

2. Short-bowel syndrome usually occurs when:

• A. The longitudinal muscles of the intestine contract
• B. More than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed
• C. More than 50% of the large intestine is surgically removed
• D. Transit time is decreased due to infection or drugs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Short-bowel syndrome usually occurs when more than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed. This condition results in malabsorption of nutrients and fluids due to the reduced length of the small intestine. Choice A is incorrect because the contraction of longitudinal muscles does not lead to short-bowel syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as short-bowel syndrome is primarily related to the small intestine, not the large intestine. Choice D is incorrect since decreased transit time due to infection or drugs is not a direct cause of short-bowel syndrome.

3. In patients receiving chemotherapy, which nutrient is often supplemented to manage mucositis?

• A. Vitamin E
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Zinc
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Zinc supplementation is often used to manage mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy. Zinc has been shown to aid in the healing process of mucositis. Vitamin E (Choice A) is not typically used to manage mucositis associated with chemotherapy. Vitamin B12 (Choice B) is essential for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, but it is not primarily used to manage mucositis. Calcium (Choice D) is important for bone health and nerve function but is not specifically used to manage mucositis.

4. The nurse administers 2 units of salt-poor albumin to a client with portal hypertension and ascites. The nurse explains to the client that this is administered to:

• A. Provide nutrients
• B. Increase protein stores
• C. Elevate the circulating blood volume
• D. Divert blood flow away from the liver temporarily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Elevate the circulating blood volume. Salt-poor albumin is given to increase the circulating blood volume, which helps reduce ascites by improving fluid distribution within the body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because salt-poor albumin is not administered to provide nutrients, increase protein stores, or divert blood flow away from the liver.

5. Who typically collects blood specimens?

• A. The nurse
• B. Medical technologist
• C. Physician
• D. Phlebotomist

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nurses typically collect blood specimens from patients as part of their everyday duties in medical settings. They are trained in venipuncture techniques and are responsible for ensuring that blood samples are properly obtained and labeled for diagnostic testing. Medical technologists process and analyze the blood specimens in the laboratory under the direction of a physician. Physicians are not commonly involved in the direct collection of blood specimens. While phlebotomists are specialized professionals trained to draw blood, in many medical settings, nurses perform this task as part of their responsibilities.

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