Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and the bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer dilaudid
• B. Notify the physician
• C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible
• D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on a warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should promptly notify the physician.

2. Which of the following aspects is the priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis?

• A. Fluid and electrolyte balance
• B. Gastric irrigation
• C. Pain management
• D. Psychosocial issues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis is fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent shock.

3. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?

• A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
• B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
• C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
• D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.

4. The client with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled for a pyloroplasty. The client asks the nurse about the procedure. The nurse plans to respond knowing that a pyloroplasty involves:

• A. Cutting the vagus nerve
• B. Removing the distal portion of the stomach
• C. Removal of the ulcer and a large portion of the cells that produce hydrochloric acid
• D. An incision and resuturing of the pylorus to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening from the stomach to the duodenum.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pyloroplasty involves making an incision in the pylorus (the opening from the stomach to the duodenum) and then resuturing it to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening.

5. You’re caring for Betty with liver cirrhosis. Which of the following assessment findings leads you to suspect hepatic encephalopathy in her?

• A. Asterixis
• B. Chvostek’s sign
• C. Trousseau’s sign
• D. Hepatojugular reflex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hands, is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy.

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