Nursing Elites

1. A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?

• A. Keep the client NPO for 2 days before surgery.
• B. Administer kanamycin (Kantrex) the night before surgery.
• C. Inform the client that chest tubes will be in place after surgery.
• D. Advise the client to limit activity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antibiotics are administered preoperatively to reduce the bacterial count in the colon. The client will be placed on a low residue diet to help cleanse the bowel before surgery but typically is not placed on NPO status until 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Laxatives and enemas may also be administered. Chest tubes would not be expected postoperatively. There is no need to limit the client's activity before surgery.

2. 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.

3. You’re preparing a patient with a malignant tumor for colorectal surgery and subsequent colostomy. The patient tells you he’s anxious. What should your initial step be in working with this patient?

• A. Determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.
• B. Show the patient some pictures of colostomies.
• C. Arrange for someone who has a colostomy to visit the patient.
• D. Provide the patient with written material about colostomy care.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a patient with a malignant tumor is anxious about colorectal surgery and a colostomy, the initial step is to determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.

4. The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is:

• A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back.
• B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin.
• C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus.
• D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, unrelenting pain in the epigastric area that radiates to the back. This pain is due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.

5. A client with gastric cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?

• A. Abdominal cramping
• B. Constant hunger
• C. Feeling of fullness
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clients with gastric cancer may experience a feeling of fullness due to the presence of the tumor.

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