Nursing Elites

1. A client with a peptic ulcer reports epigastric pain that frequently awakens her at night, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, and a feeling of anxiety about her health. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?

• A. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements related to anorexia.
• B. Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain
• C. Ineffective Coping related to exacerbation of duodenal ulcer
• D. Activity Intolerance related to abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain is appropriate because the client reports pain that frequently awakens her at night.

2. After an abdominal resection for colon cancer, Madeline returns to her room with a Jackson-Pratt drain in place. The purpose of the drain is to:

• A. Irrigate the incision with a saline solution.
• B. Prevent bacterial infection of the incision.
• C. Measure the amount of fluid lost after surgery.
• D. Prevent accumulation of drainage in the wound.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The purpose of the Jackson-Pratt drain is to prevent the accumulation of drainage in the wound after an abdominal resection.

3. George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T tube drainage?

• A. If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately.
• B. The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
• C. First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow.
• D. If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before discharge, inform the patient that the drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.

4. The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?

• A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
• B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
• C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
• D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated encourages movement of food through the esophagus by gravity. By fostering esophageal acid clearance, gravity helps keep the acidic pepsin and alkaline biliary secretions from contacting the esophagus. Elevating the foot of the bed does not affect clearance of esophageal acid. Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the left will not decrease reflux incidence. Sleeping flat without a pillow under the head does not enhance clearance.

5. The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?

• A. The stoma is slightly edematous
• B. The stoma is dark red to purple
• C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood
• D. The stoma does not expel stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A dark red to purple stoma may indicate compromised blood flow or ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. This color change could be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the stoma tissue, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Reporting this observation promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of immediate medical concern. A slightly edematous stoma, oozing a small amount of blood, or not expelling stool may not be uncommon findings during the initial post-op period and can be managed without urgent intervention.

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