Nursing Elites

1. Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative teaching, Gail states,”If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I’ll avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?” What is the best response?

• A. You’ll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours.
• B. It’s always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery.
• C. The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours.
• D. Why don’t you decide about activity after you return from the recovery room?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response to Gail is to inform her that she will need to turn from side to side every 2 hours to prevent complications.

2. Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis. Treatment for her includes:

• A. Continuous peritoneal lavage.
• B. Regular diet with increased fat.
• C. Nutritional support with TPN.
• D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Treatment for acute pancreatitis includes nutritional support with TPN.

3. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer?

• A. Abdominal CT scan
• B. Abdominal x-ray
• C. Colonoscopy
• D. Fecal occult blood test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fecal occult blood test should be performed annually for individuals over age 50 to screen for colon cancer.

4. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of

• A. Dehydration
• B. Malnutrition
• C. Bleeding
• D. Infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.

5. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?

• A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
• B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
• C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
• D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.

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