Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
• B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
• C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
• D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.

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:

• A. Empty her bladder.
• B. Lie supine in bed.
• C. Remain NPO for 4 hours.
• D. Clean her bowels with an enema.

Correct answer: A

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

3. Your patient, Christopher, has a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and has severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output. This may indicate which complication?

• A. Fistula.
• B. Bowel perforation.
• C. Bowel obstruction.
• D. Abscess.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output in a patient with ulcerative colitis may indicate bowel perforation.

4. Anna is 45 y.o. and has a bleeding ulcer. Despite multiple blood transfusions, her HGB is 7.5g/dl and HCT is 27%. Her doctor determines that surgical intervention is necessary and she undergoes partial gastrectomy. Postoperative nursing care includes:

• A. Giving pain medication Q6H.
• B. Flushing the NG tube with sterile water.
• C. Positioning her in high Fowler’s position.
• D. Keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Postoperative care for a patient who underwent partial gastrectomy includes keeping her NPO until the return of peristalsis to prevent complications.

5. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?

• A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
• B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
• C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
• D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.

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