Nursing Elites

1. A client is 48 hours postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication?

• A. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines
• B. Infection at the surgical site
• C. Fluid overload
• D. Inadequate pain management

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gas pains in the periumbilical area postoperatively are often caused by impaired peristalsis and bowel function. Following abdominal surgery, it is common for peristalsis to be reduced due to surgical manipulation and anesthesia effects. This reduction in peristalsis can lead to the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in gas pains. Infection at the surgical site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, rather than diffuse gas pains. Fluid overload (Choice C) would manifest with symptoms such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, not gas pains. Inadequate pain management (Choice D) may lead to increased discomfort, but it is not the primary cause of gas pains in the periumbilical area following a small bowel resection.

2. A client expresses that, based on religious values and mandates, a blood transfusion is not an acceptable treatment option. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. “I believe in this case you should make an exception and accept the blood transfusion.”
• B. “I know your family would approve of your decision to have a blood transfusion.”
• C. “Why does your religion mandate that you cannot receive any blood transfusions?”
• D. “Let’s discuss the necessity for a blood transfusion with your religious and spiritual leaders and come to a reasonable solution.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is to involve the client's religious and spiritual leaders in the discussion to find a solution that respects both the client's values and medical needs. Option A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's beliefs. Option B assumes the family's opinion over the client's. Option C is inappropriate as it questions the client's religious beliefs rather than addressing the concern respectfully.

3. A middle adult client tells the nurse, 'I feel so useless now that my children do not need me anymore.' Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. People in middle adulthood often find satisfaction in nurturing and guiding young people.
• B. It's normal to feel this way; it will pass.
• C. You should focus on finding new activities to fill your time.
• D. Your children will always need you in some way.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A. Middle adulthood is a stage where individuals often experience generativity, finding fulfillment in guiding and nurturing others. By acknowledging this aspect, the nurse can help the client explore opportunities to engage in activities that provide a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Choice A validates the client's feelings and offers a constructive way to address them. Choices B, C, and D do not address the client's emotional need for purpose and may not encourage the client to seek meaningful ways to address their feelings of uselessness.

4. A nurse in a provider's office is collecting information from an older adult who reports that he has been taking acetaminophen 500 mg/day for severe joint pain. The nurse should instruct the client that large doses of acetaminophen could cause which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Liver damage
• B. Renal failure
• C. Gastric bleeding
• D. Heart attack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: Large doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, which is a known adverse effect of the medication. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and excessive amounts can overwhelm the liver's ability to process it, leading to hepatotoxicity. Renal failure (Choice B) is not typically associated with acetaminophen use. Gastric bleeding (Choice C) is more commonly linked to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) rather than acetaminophen. Heart attack (Choice D) is not a recognized adverse effect of acetaminophen, which primarily affects the liver when taken in large amounts.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory value would be most concerning?

• A. Serum amylase of 200 U/L
• B. Serum lipase of 250 U/L
• C. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL
• D. Serum calcium of 7.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In acute pancreatitis, hypocalcemia (low serum calcium) is a critical finding that is associated with a poor prognosis and requires immediate attention. Serum amylase and lipase are typically elevated in acute pancreatitis due to pancreatic inflammation, but they are not indicators of severity. Blood glucose levels may be elevated due to stress or underlying conditions but are not directly related to the severity of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, the most concerning value in this scenario is the low serum calcium level, which can have significant implications for the client's prognosis.

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