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. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?

• A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
• B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
• C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
• D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.

3. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.” Which response is most therapeutic?

• A. I know just how you feel.
• B. You seem upset.
• C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
• D. Why do you think you have cancer?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.

4. Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications DOES NOT cause increased abdominal pressure?

• A. Obesity
• B. Volvulus
• C. Constipation
• D. Intestinal obstruction

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obesity, constipation, and intestinal obstruction can all lead to increased abdominal pressure, which in turn can cause a hiatal hernia.

5. A client with peptic ulcer is scheduled for a Vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure

• A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach.
• B. Heals the gastric mucosa.
• C. Halts stress reactions.
• D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A vagotomy, or cutting of the vagus nerve, is done to eliminate parasympathetic stimulation of gastric secretion, thereby reducing the stimulus to acid secretions. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as a vagotomy does not affect food absorption, heal the gastric mucosa, or halt stress reactions.

Similar Questions