Nursing Elites

1. The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client who had a subtotal gastrectomy. The nurse instructs the client regarding the signs and symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. Which of the following signs and symptoms, if identified by the client, indicates an understanding of this potential complication following gastrointestinal surgery?

• A. Hiccups and diarrhea
• B. Fatigue and abdominal pain
• C. Constipation and fever
• D. Diaphoresis and diarrhea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diaphoresis and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery when food moves quickly from the stomach to the intestine, causing fluid shifts and leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain, distension, hyperactive bowel sounds, and diarrhea. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect the typical signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome.

2. 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 RBC’s.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis indicates that the gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.

3. When teaching a community group about measures to prevent colon cancer, which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Limit fat intake to 20% to 25% of your total daily calories.
• B. Include 15 to 20 grams of fiber into your daily diet.
• C. Get an annual rectal examination after age 35.
• D. Undergo sigmoidoscopy annually after age 50.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Limiting fat intake is a recommended measure to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Including fiber, undergoing annual rectal examinations, and sigmoidoscopy are also important, but limiting fat intake is directly related to reducing cancer risk.

4. A client with peptic ulcer disease tells the nurse that he has black stools, which he has not reported to his physician. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client?

• A. Ineffective coping related to fear of diagnosis of chronic illness
• B. Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms
• C. Constipation related to decreased gastric motility
• D. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements due to gastric bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms is appropriate because the client did not report the black stools, which can be a sign of bleeding.

5. A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, 'I’m not sure I can avoid alcohol.' The most appropriate response is

• A. Everything will be alright.
• B. I think you should talk more with the doctor about this.
• C. I don’t believe that.
• D. I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response in this situation is to seek clarification from the client by saying, 'I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?' This response shows empathy and a willingness to listen, encouraging the client to elaborate on their concerns. False reassurance (Choice A) is not helpful as it dismisses the client's feelings. Suggesting to talk more with the doctor (Choice B) may deflect from addressing the client's immediate concerns. Expressing disbelief (Choice C) can create a barrier to open communication, making the client feel unsupported.

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