Nursing Elites

1. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?

• A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
• B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
• C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
• D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.

2. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?

• A. Concave, midline umbilicus
• B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
• C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
• D. Absence of a bruit

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.

3. Mucosal barrier fortifiers are used in peptic ulcer disease management for which of the following indications?

• A. To inhibit mucus production
• B. To neutralize acid production
• C. To stimulate mucus production
• D. To stimulate hydrogen ion diffusion back into the mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mucosal barrier fortifiers stimulate mucus production, which helps protect the lining of the stomach and manage peptic ulcer disease.

4. George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T tube drainage?

• A. If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately.
• B. The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
• C. First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow.
• D. If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before discharge, inform the patient that the drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.

5. Which of the following tests can be performed to diagnose a hiatal hernia?

• A. Colonoscopy
• B. Lower GI series
• C. Barium swallow
• D. Abdominal x-rays

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A barium swallow is a diagnostic test that can visualize the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to diagnose a hiatal hernia.

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