Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.

• A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
• B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
• C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
• D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to prescribe pain medications such as meperidine to manage the abdominal pain, which is a prominent symptom of the condition. The other options are incorrect because: A) Clients with acute pancreatitis are normally placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to rest the pancreas, so small, frequent high-calorie feedings are not indicated. C) Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees helps decrease tension on the abdomen and may ease pain, but it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. D) Administering antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions is not a routine intervention for acute pancreatitis.

2. The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client’s nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be

• A. Discarded properly and recorded as output on the client’s intake and output record.
• B. Poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
• C. Mixed with the formula and poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
• D. Diluted with water and injected into the nasogastric tube by putting pressure on the plunger.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the gastric contents are reinstalled into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and pouring the gastric contents into the syringe and through the nasogastric tube. Gastric contents should be reinstalled to maintain the client’s electrolyte balance. The gastric contents should be poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe without a plunger and not injected by putting pressure on the plunger. Gastric contents do not need to be mixed with water or should the contents be discarded.

3. A patient with Crohn’s disease is admitted after 4 days of diarrhea. Which of the following urine specific gravity values do you expect to find in this patient?

• A. 1.005
• B. 1.011
• C. 1.02
• D. 1.03

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.030 indicates concentrated urine, which is expected in a patient with dehydration due to diarrhea from Crohn’s disease.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
• B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
• C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
• D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.

5. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Restricting pain medication
• B. Maintaining bedrest
• C. Avoiding coughing
• D. Irrigating the drain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.

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