Nursing Elites

1. Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What is the priority for this patient?

• A. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
• B. Monitor for increased serum glucose levels from steroid therapy.
• C. Restrict dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to replace lost fluid and sodium. During an acute episode of ulcerative colitis, the priority is to manage the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial due to the potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Monitoring serum glucose levels (Choice B) may be important for patients on steroid therapy, but in this scenario, fluid and electrolyte balance take precedence. Restricting dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not a priority in the acute phase of ulcerative colitis. While noting changes in stool color and consistency (Choice D) is important for assessing the patient's gastrointestinal status, it is not the priority when managing acute ulcerative colitis.

2. 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.

3. Medical management of the client with diverticulitis should include which of the following treatments?

• A. Reduced fluid intake
• B. Increased fiber in diet
• C. Administration of antibiotics
• D. Exercises to increase intra-abdominal pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Medical management of diverticulitis typically includes the administration of antibiotics to treat infection and inflammation.

4. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?

• A. He has fresh, active upper GI bleeding.
• B. He needs immediate saline gastric lavage.
• C. His gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
• D. He needs a transfusion of packed RBCs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that occurred approximately 2 hours earlier. It results from the breakdown of blood in the stomach due to digestive enzymes, giving it a coffee-ground appearance. Choice A is incorrect because coffee-ground emesis indicates older, partially digested blood, not fresh active bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as gastric lavage is not indicated for coffee-ground emesis. Choice D is incorrect because a transfusion of packed RBCs is not the immediate management for this presentation.

5. When obtaining a nursing history on a client with a suspected gastric ulcer, which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to see? Select ONE that does not apply.

• A. Epigastric pain at night
• B. Relief of epigastric pain after eating
• C. Vomiting
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Signs and symptoms of a gastric ulcer include epigastric pain at night, vomiting, and weight loss. Relief of epigastric pain after eating is not typically associated with gastric ulcers.

Similar Questions