Nursing Elites

1. A client’s ulcerative colitis symptoms have been present for longer than 1 week. The nurse recognizes that the client should be assessed carefully for signs of which of the following complications?

• A. Heart failure
• B. DVT
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client should be assessed carefully for signs of hypokalemia, a common complication of prolonged ulcerative colitis symptoms.

2. When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis who is experiencing symptoms, which client care activities can the nurse appropriately delegate to a unlicensed assistant?

• A. Assessing the client's bowel sounds
• B. administration of pain medication every 4 hours
• C. Evaluating the client's response to antidiarrheal medications
• D. Maintaining intake and output records

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Delegating tasks such as providing skin care, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight are within the scope of practice for an unlicensed assistant. Assessing bowel sounds and evaluating the response to medications require nursing judgment and should not be delegated.

3. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:

• A. To the exact size of the stoma.
• B. About 1/16” larger than the stoma.
• C. About 1/8” larger than the stoma.
• D. About 1/4″ larger than the stoma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.

4. Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What is the priority for this patient?

• A. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
• B. Monitor for increased serum glucose levels from steroid therapy.
• C. Restrict dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to replace lost fluid and sodium. During an acute episode of ulcerative colitis, the priority is to manage the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial due to the potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Monitoring serum glucose levels (Choice B) may be important for patients on steroid therapy, but in this scenario, fluid and electrolyte balance take precedence. Restricting dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not a priority in the acute phase of ulcerative colitis. While noting changes in stool color and consistency (Choice D) is important for assessing the patient's gastrointestinal status, it is not the priority when managing acute ulcerative colitis.

5. The client with Crohn’s disease has a nursing diagnosis of acute pain. The nurse would teach the client to avoid which of the following in managing this problem?

• A. Lying supine with the legs straight
• B. Massaging the abdomen
• C. Using antispasmodic medication
• D. Using relaxation techniques

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lying supine with the legs straight can increase abdominal tension and exacerbate pain. The client should be advised to lie with the legs bent to reduce muscle tension and discomfort.

Similar Questions