Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?

• A. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
• B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
• C. Captopril (Capoten)
• D. Propanolol (Inderal)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.

3. Jason, a 22 y.o. accident victim, requires an NG tube for feeding. What should you immediately do after inserting an NG tube for liquid enteral feedings?

• A. Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe.
• B. Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping.
• C. Get an X-ray of the tip of the tube within 24 hours.
• D. Clamp off the tube until the feedings begin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediately after inserting an NG tube for enteral feedings, aspirate for gastric secretions to confirm proper placement.

4. A patient with chronic alcohol abuse is admitted with liver failure. You closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure because of which change that is associated with the liver failure?

• A. Hypoalbuminemia
• B. Increased capillary permeability
• C. Abnormal peripheral vasodilation
• D. Excess rennin release from the kidneys

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Abnormal peripheral vasodilation is a change associated with liver failure that requires close monitoring of the patient's blood pressure.

5. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of

• A. Dehydration
• B. Malnutrition
• C. Bleeding
• D. Infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.

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