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The client is being admitted to a postsurgical unit following anorectal surgery. The nurse reviews the following postoperative orders from the surgeon. Which order should the nurse question?
- A. Give morphine sulfate per IV bolus before the first defecation.
- B. Have the client take a sitz bath after each defecation.
- C. Begin high-fiber diet as soon as client can tolerate oral intake.
- D. Position supine with the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Pain medication is recommended before the first defecation to avoid straining. B. A sitz bath is encouraged for rectal cleansing after defecation. C. A high-fiber diet prevents constipation. D. After anorectal surgery, the client should be positioned in a side-lying (not supine) position to decrease rectal edema and client discomfort.
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A client returns from having had abdominal surgery. Her vital signs are stable. She says she is thirsty. What should the nurse give her initially?
- A. Orange juice
- B. Milk
- C. Ice chips
- D. Mouth wash
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ice chips are safe to relieve thirst initially post-abdominal surgery, as clear liquids are introduced gradually until peristalsis returns.
The nurse is teaching the client diagnosed with diverticulosis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching session?
- A. Discuss the importance of drinking 1,000 mL of water daily.
- B. Instruct the client to exercise at least three (3) times a week.
- C. Teach the client about eating a low-residue diet.
- D. Explain the need to have daily bowel movements.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular exercise promotes bowel motility, reducing the risk of diverticulitis in diverticulosis. A high-fiber diet (not low-residue) is recommended, 1,000 mL of water is insufficient, and daily bowel movements are not mandatory.
The nurse is assessing a client who may have a hiatal hernia. What symptom is the client most likely to report?
- A. Projectile vomiting
- B. Crampy lower abdominal pain
- C. Burning substernal pain
- D. Bloody diarrhea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Burning substernal pain, often mistaken for heartburn, is a hallmark symptom of hiatal hernia due to acid reflux.
The nurse identifies the client problem 'alteration in gastrointestinal system' for the elderly client. Which statement reflects the most appropriate rationale for this problem?
- A. Elderly clients have the ability to chew food more thoroughly with dentures.
- B. Elderly clients have an increase in digestive enzymes, which helps with digestion.
- C. Elderly clients have an increased need for laxatives because of a decrease in bile.
- D. Elderly clients have an increase in bacteria in the GI system, resulting in diarrhea.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly clients often have reduced peristalsis and bile production, leading to constipation and increased laxative need, supporting the GI alteration problem. Dentures, enzyme increase, and bacterial overgrowth are less accurate.
The client diagnosed with Crohn's disease is crying and tells the nurse, 'I can't take it anymore. I never know when I will get sick and end up here in the hospital.' Which statement is the nurse's best response?
- A. I understand how frustrating this must be for you.
- B. You must keep thinking about the good things in your life.
- C. I can see you are very upset. I'll sit down and we can talk.
- D. Are you thinking about doing anything like committing suicide?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's distress and offering to talk provides emotional support and opens communication to address concerns. The other responses are less therapeutic, either minimizing the issue or jumping to assumptions about suicide risk.