Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?

• A. Steatorrhea
• B. Jaundiced sclerae
• C. Clay-colored stools
• D. Widened pulse pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis. Which manifestations indicate deficient vitamin K absorption caused by this liver disease?

• A. Dyspnea and fatigue
• B. Ascites and orthopnea
• C. Purpura and petechiae
• D. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A liver disorder, such as cirrhosis, can disrupt the liver's normal use of vitamin K to produce prothrombin (a clotting factor). Because of this, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bleeding, including purpura and petechiae. Dyspnea and fatigue suggest anemia. Ascites and orthopnea are unrelated to vitamin K absorption. Gynecomastia and testicular atrophy result from decreased estrogen metabolism by the diseased liver.

3. Britney, a 20 y.o. student is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory findings do you expect to be abnormal for this patient?

• A. Serum creatinine and BUN
• B. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• C. Serum amylase and lipase
• D. Cardiac enzymes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Serum amylase and lipase levels are typically elevated in patients with acute pancreatitis.

4. Cholestyramine resin (Questran Light) is prescribed for the client with an elevated serum cholesterol level. The nurse would instruct the client to take the medication

• A. After meals.
• B. Mixed with fruit juice.
• C. Via rectal suppository.
• D. At least 3 hours before meals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cholestyramine resin binds with bile salts in the intestines to form a compound that is excreted in the feces. The client should be instructed to mix the medication with 3 to 6 oz of water, milk, fruit juice, or soup. The medication should be administered before meals. The medication is not administered via rectal suppository.

5. When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:

• A. Controlling abdominal pain.
• B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
• C. Preventing respiratory complications.
• D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Convalescence after hepatitis A may take weeks or even months. Boredom and depression are common problems that the client should anticipate. Abdominal pain is not usually a symptom of hepatitis A. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern is not usually a problem with hepatitis. Problems preventing respiratory complications are unlikely. To support healing, activity is strictly limited but bed rest is not prescribed.

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