the nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension which initial sign if not
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Gastrointestinal System

1. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.

2. You’re caring for Jane, a 57 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Before her paracentesis, you instruct her to:

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Before paracentesis, instruct the patient to empty her bladder to avoid bladder injury during the procedure.

3. You’re preparing a teaching plan for a 27 y.o. named Jeff who underwent surgery to close a temporary ileostomy. Which nutritional guideline do you include in this plan?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After ileostomy closure surgery, it is recommended to eat six small meals a day to aid digestion and absorption.

4. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

5. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.

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