Nursing Elites

1. The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?

• A. The stoma is slightly edematous
• B. The stoma is dark red to purple
• C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood
• D. The stoma does not expel stool

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A dark red to purple stoma may indicate compromised blood flow or ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. This color change could be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the stoma tissue, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Reporting this observation promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of immediate medical concern. A slightly edematous stoma, oozing a small amount of blood, or not expelling stool may not be uncommon findings during the initial post-op period and can be managed without urgent intervention.

2. The hospitalized client with gastroesophageal reflux disease is complaining of chest discomfort that feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid, the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?

• A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
• B. On the stomach with the head flat
• C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
• D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The discomfort of reflux is aggravated by positions that compress the abdomen and the stomach. Lying flat on the back (supine) or on the stomach (prone) after a meal can exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, lying on the right side can worsen reflux. The most appropriate position to alleviate discomfort in a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease is lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle. This position helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, providing relief to the client.

3. Your patient has a retractable gastric peptic ulcer and has had a gastric vagotomy. Which factor increases as a result of vagotomy?

• A. Peristalsis.
• B. Gastric acidity.
• C. Gastric motility.
• D. Gastric pH.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a gastric vagotomy, the gastric pH increases as a result of reduced acid secretion.

4. A nurse is caring for a client diagnose with pancreatitis. The nurse anticipates that the client would not experience an elevation of which of the following enzymes?

• A. Lipase
• B. Lactase
• C. Amylase
• D. Trypsin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Lactase is produced in the small intestine and aids in splitting neutral fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Lipase, amylase, and trypsin are produced in the pancreas and aid in the digestion of fats, starches, and proteins, respectively.

5. After abdominal surgery, your patient has a severe coughing episode that causes wound evisceration. In addition to calling the doctor, which intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Irrigate the wound & organs with Betadine.
• B. Cover the wound with a saline soaked sterile dressing.
• C. Apply a dry sterile dressing & binder.
• D. Push the organs back & cover with moist sterile dressings.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Covering the wound with a saline soaked sterile dressing is the most appropriate intervention for wound evisceration.

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