Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?

• A. Perforation
• B. Obstruction
• C. Hemorrhage
• D. Intractability

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms described in the question are consistent with perforation of the ulcer, which then progresses to peritonitis if the perforation is large enough. The client with intestinal obstruction most likely would complain of abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. The client with hemorrhage would be vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material or would be expelling black, tarry, or bloody stools. Intractability is a term that refers to continued symptoms of a disease process, despite ongoing medical treatment.

2. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?

• A. Dark brown
• B. Bile green
• C. Bright red
• D. Cloudy white

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dark brown drainage is expected for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery.

3. You are developing a careplan on Sally, a 67 y.o. patient with hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following do you include?

• A. Administering a lactulose enema as ordered.
• B. Encouraging a protein-rich diet.
• C. Administering sedatives, as necessary.
• D. Encouraging ambulation at least four times a day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering a lactulose enema as ordered helps reduce ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.

4. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?

• A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
• B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
• C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
• D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

5. The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client’s head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?

• A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
• B. Pulling the tube back slightly
• C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
• D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As the nasogastric tube is passed through the oropharynx, the gag reflex is stimulated, which may cause coughing, gagging, or choking. Instead of passing through to the esophagus, the nasogastric tube may coil around itself in the oropharynx, or it may enter the larynx and obstruct the airway, pulling the tube back slightly will remove it from the larynx; advancing the tube might position it in the trachea. Swallowing closes the epiglottis over the trachea and helps move the tube into the esophagus. Slow breathing helps the client relax to reduce the gag response. The nurse should check the back of the client’s throat to note if the tube has coiled. The tube may be advanced after the client relaxes.

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