Nursing Elites

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

• A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
• B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
• C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
• D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.

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. 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. The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy. The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Notify the physician
• B. Document the findings
• C. Irrigate the T-tube
• D. Clamp the T-tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action as 750ml of green-brown drainage is expected after a cholecystectomy.

4. Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery for which of the following reasons?

• A. Reducing the size of the tumor
• B. Eliminating the malignant cells
• C. Curing the cancer
• D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Radiation therapy is used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove.

5. A client with gastric cancer can expect to have surgery for resection. Which of the following should be the nursing management priority for the preoperative client with gastric cancer?

• A. Discharge planning
• B. Correction of nutritional deficits
• C. Prevention of DVT
• D. Instruction regarding radiation treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority for preoperative management of a client with gastric cancer is the correction of nutritional deficits.

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