Nursing Elites

1. The client with GERD complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions?

• A. Development of laryngeal cancer
• B. Irritation of the esophagus
• C. Esophageal scar tissue formation
• D. Aspiration of gastric contents

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents can lead to a chronic cough in clients with GERD.

2. Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit?

• A. Abdominal distention
• B. Abdominal pain and rigidity
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Right upper quadrant pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the early stages of peritonitis, the client would exhibit abdominal pain and rigidity due to inflammation.

3. Britney, a 20 y.o. student is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory findings do you expect to be abnormal for this patient?

• A. Serum creatinine and BUN
• B. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• C. Serum amylase and lipase
• D. Cardiac enzymes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Serum amylase and lipase levels are typically elevated in patients with acute pancreatitis.

4. The nurse is planning to teach the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease about substances that will increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Which of the following items would the nurse include on this list?

• A. Fatty foods
• B. Nonfat milk
• C. Chocolate
• D. Coffee

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Foods that increase the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure will decrease reflux, and lessen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The food substance that will increase the LES pressure is nonfat milk. The other substances listed decrease the LES pressure, thus increasing reflux symptoms. Aggravating substances include chocolate, coffee, fatty foods and alcohol.

5. 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.

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