Nursing Elites

1. Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?

• A. Increased red blood cell count
• B. Decreased serum ammonia level
• C. Increased protein level
• D. Decreased white blood cell level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for the client with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce bacterial breakdown of protein in the bowel. The medication creates an acidic environment in the bowel and causes the ammonia to leave the bloodstream and enter the colon. Ammonia then becomes trapped in the bowel. Lactulose also has a laxative effect that allows for the elimination of the ammonia.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with chronic gastritis. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that this client is at risk for which of the following vitamin deficiencies?

• A. Vitamin A
• B. Vitamin B12
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients with chronic gastritis are at risk for Vitamin B12 deficiency due to impaired absorption.

3. Glenda has cholelithiasis (gallstones). You expect her to complain of:

• A. Pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
• B. Pain in the right lower quadrant, with rebound tenderness.
• C. Pain in the left upper quadrant, with shortness of breath.
• D. Pain in the left lower quadrant, with mild cramping.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with cholelithiasis often complain of pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.

4. Your patient with peritonitis is NPO and complaining of thirst. What is your priority?

• A. Increase the I.V. infusion rate.
• B. Use diversion activities.
• C. Provide frequent mouth care.
• D. Give ice chips every 15 minutes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing frequent mouth care is the priority for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and complaining of thirst.

5. The client who has undergone creation of a colostomy has a nursing diagnosis of Disturbed body image. The nurse would evaluate that the client is making the most significant progress toward identified goals if the client:

• A. Watches the nurse empty the colostomy bag
• B. Looks at the ostomy site
• C. Reads the ostomy product literature
• D. Practices cutting the ostomy appliance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Practices cutting the ostomy appliance. This choice indicates that the client is actively involved in self-care and adapting to the colostomy. By practicing cutting the ostomy appliance, the client is demonstrating independence and self-management skills, showing significant progress towards overcoming the disturbed body image. Choices A, B, and C do not involve active participation in self-care tasks related to the colostomy, which are essential for the client's adaptation and acceptance.

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