Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?

• A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
• B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
• C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
• D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.

2. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?

• A. Abdominal cramping and pain
• B. Bradycardia and indigestion
• C. Sweating and pallor
• D. Double vision and chest pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Early manifestations of dumping syndrome occur 5 to 30 minutes after eating. Symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down.

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. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?

• A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
• B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
• C. Hypothermia
• D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

5. A nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and the bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Administer dilaudid
• B. Notify the physician
• C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible
• D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on a warm setting to the client’s abdomen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The symptoms suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, which are serious complications requiring immediate medical attention. The nurse should promptly notify the physician.

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