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. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.

3. A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Antibiotics are administered preoperatively to reduce the bacterial count in the colon. The client will be placed on a low residue diet to help cleanse the bowel before surgery but typically is not placed on NPO status until 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Laxatives and enemas may also be administered. Chest tubes would not be expected postoperatively. There is no need to limit the client's activity before surgery.

4. Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Achieving optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings is an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer.

5. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Fasting for 8 hours ensures that the stomach is empty, which is necessary for an accurate barium swallow test.

Similar Questions

Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose cholecystitis?
The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
Which of the following complications is thought to be the most common cause of appendicitis?
The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse uses which solution for the irrigation?

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