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. 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.

3. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?

• A. Bloody diarrhea
• B. Hypotension
• C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
• D. Rebound tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.

4. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the post-operative orders, which of the following, if prescribed, would the nurse question and verify?

• A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
• B. Coughing a deep breathing exercises
• C. Leg exercises
• D. Early ambulation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Irrigating the nasogastric tube is typically not recommended after a Billroth II procedure unless specifically ordered by a physician due to the risk of disrupting the surgical site.

5. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?

• A. He has fresh, active upper GI bleeding.
• B. He needs immediate saline gastric lavage.
• C. His gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
• D. He needs a transfusion of packed RBC’s.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis indicates that the gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.

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