how should a nurse manage a patient with diarrhea

ATI LPN

ATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2024

1. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with diarrhea?

A. Provide oral fluids and monitor stool consistency
B. Administer antidiarrheal medications and monitor hydration
C. Monitor for electrolyte imbalances and provide antibiotics
D. Provide a low-fiber diet and monitor weight

Correct answer: A

Rationale: For a patient with diarrhea, the priority is to manage dehydration by providing oral fluids and monitoring stool consistency. Option B suggesting administering antidiarrheal medications is not recommended as it may prolong the infection by preventing the body from expelling the infectious agent. Option C is incorrect because antibiotics are not routinely indicated for diarrhea unless there is a specific bacterial infection. Option D is not the most appropriate initial intervention for managing diarrhea since a low-fiber diet may not provide adequate nutrition for the patient or help resolve the underlying cause of diarrhea.

2. A client undergoing chemotherapy for cancer is being taught about potential adverse effects of the treatment. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I will avoid drinking water before meals
B. I might experience hair loss during treatment
C. I might experience an increase in appetite
D. I should expect my appetite to increase

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hair loss is a common adverse effect of chemotherapy. Options A, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding drinking water before meals, experiencing an increase in appetite, or expecting appetite to increase are not related to the potential adverse effects of chemotherapy.

3. A nurse is preparing to apply a transdermal nicotine patch for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Shave hairy areas of skin prior to application.
B. Wear gloves to apply the patch to the client's skin.
C. Apply the patch within 1 hr of removing it from the protective pouch.
D. Remove the previous patch and place it in a tissue.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear gloves when applying the transdermal nicotine patch to prevent the nurse from absorbing nicotine through the skin. Choice A is incorrect because shaving hairy areas of skin is not necessary for applying a transdermal patch. Choice C is incorrect as transdermal patches should be applied immediately after removal from the protective pouch, not necessarily within 1 hour. Choice D is incorrect because the previous patch should be disposed of properly following institutional guidelines, not placed in a tissue.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with fluid overload?

A. Monitor weight and assess for edema
B. Monitor blood pressure and auscultate lung sounds
C. Assess for jugular venous distention
D. Monitor oxygen saturation and check for fluid retention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to assess a patient with fluid overload is by monitoring weight and assessing for edema. Weight monitoring helps in detecting fluid retention, and edema is a visible sign of excess fluid accumulation. Although monitoring blood pressure and auscultating lung sounds are important assessments in heart failure, they are not specific to fluid overload. Assessing for jugular venous distention is more indicative of right-sided heart failure rather than fluid overload. Monitoring oxygen saturation and checking for fluid retention are not primary assessments for fluid overload.

5. A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client with chronic kidney disease. What should be emphasized?

A. Increase protein intake to promote healing
B. Limit intake of potassium and phosphorus
C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
D. Encourage the intake of high-sodium foods

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to emphasize limiting the intake of potassium and phosphorus for a client with chronic kidney disease. Excessive intake of potassium and phosphorus can lead to complications in kidney disease patients. Choice A is incorrect because increasing protein intake can put additional stress on the kidneys. Choice C is incorrect as excessive fluid intake can worsen kidney function in such clients. Choice D is incorrect as encouraging high-sodium foods can lead to fluid retention and hypertension, which are not beneficial for individuals with chronic kidney disease.