Nursing Elites

1. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?

• A. A cardiac monitor
• B. An intubation set
• C. A suction setup
• D. A tracheotomy set

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.

2. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
• C. Steatorrhea.
• D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

3. Develop a teaching care plan for Angie who is about to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following points do you include?

• A. You’ll need to lie on your stomach during the test.
• B. You’ll need to lie on your right side after the test.
• C. During the biopsy you’ll be asked to exhale deeply and hold it.
• D. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Instruct the patient to lie on their right side after the biopsy to apply pressure and prevent bleeding.

4. The hospitalized client with GERD 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: Lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees helps prevent reflux by keeping stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus.

5. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:

• A. To the exact size of the stoma.
• B. About 1/16” larger than the stoma.
• C. About 1/8” larger than the stoma.
• D. About 1/4″ larger than the stoma.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.

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