Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood and is diagnosed with a bleeding duodenal ulcer. The client develops a sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen. These clinical manifestations most likely indicate which of the following?

• A. An intestinal obstruction has developed
• B. Additional ulcers have developed
• C. The esophagus has become inflamed
• D. The ulcer has perforated

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates that the ulcer has perforated.

2. 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.

3. You promote hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding by:

• A. Encouraging oral fluid intake.
• B. Monitoring central venous pressure.
• C. Monitoring laboratory test results and vital signs.
• D. Giving blood, electrolyte and fluid replacement.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Promoting hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding involves giving blood, electrolyte, and fluid replacement.

4. The nurse is reviewing the physician’s orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client’s chart?

• A. NPO status
• B. Insert a nasogastric tube
• C. An anticholinergic medication
• D. Morphine for pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Morphine for pain should be questioned as it can cause spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, worsening pancreatitis.

5. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that

• A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
• B. This is a normal, expected event.
• C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
• D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.

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