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. Annebell is being discharged with a colostomy, and you’re teaching her about colostomy care. Which statement correctly describes a healthy stoma?

• A. At first, the stoma may bleed slightly when touched.
• B. The stoma should appear dark and have a bluish hue.
• C. A burning sensation under the stoma faceplate is normal.
• D. The stoma should remain swollen away from the abdomen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A healthy stoma may bleed slightly when touched initially, which is normal.

3. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented on the client’s record?

• A. Chronic constipation
• B. Diarrhea
• C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
• D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is a common stool characteristic in clients with Crohn’s disease due to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

4. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?

• A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• B. Elevated serum bilirubin
• C. Elevated hemoglobin
• D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.

5. Which area of the alimentary canal is the most common location for Crohn’s disease?

• A. Ascending colon
• B. Descending colon
• C. Sigmoid colon
• D. Terminal ileum

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The terminal ileum is the most common location for Crohn's disease.

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