Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

2. The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred?

• A. Sunken and hidden stoma
• B. Dark- and bluish-colored stoma
• C. Narrowed and flattened stoma
• D. Protruding stoma

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A protruding stoma is indicative of stoma prolapse, which occurs when the bowel protrudes excessively through the stoma.

3. Crohn’s disease can be described as a chronic relapsing disease. Which of the following areas in the GI system may be involved with this disease?

• A. The entire length of the large colon
• B. Only the sigmoid area
• C. The entire large colon through the layers of mucosa and submucosa
• D. The small intestine and colon; affecting the entire thickness of the bowel

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but it commonly affects the small intestine and colon, involving the entire thickness of the bowel wall.

4. Which of the following symptoms is associated with ulcerative colitis?

• A. Dumping syndrome
• B. Rectal bleeding
• C. Soft stools
• D. Fistulas

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis due to the inflammation and ulceration of the colon lining.

5. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instructions?

• A. Lie down after meals to promote digestion.
• B. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
• C. Take antacids before meals.
• D. Limit fluids with meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that tend to increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to avoid lying down after meals, which can aggravate reflux, and to take antacids after eating. The client doesn't need to limit fluids with meals as long as the fluids aren't gastric irritants.

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