which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.

2. Which of the following laboratory results would be expected in a client with peritonitis?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A white blood cell count above 15,000 is indicative of an infection, such as peritonitis.

3. The client with GERD complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents can lead to a chronic cough in clients with GERD.

4. The client with a new colostomy is concerned about the odor from the stool in the ostomy drainage bag. The nurse teaches the client to include which of the following foods in the diet to reduce odor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Yogurt helps reduce odor in the stool by promoting healthy bacteria in the digestive tract.

5. Your patient has a retractable gastric peptic ulcer and has had a gastric vagotomy. Which factor increases as a result of vagotomy?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a gastric vagotomy, the gastric pH increases as a result of reduced acid secretion.

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