NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

The client is scheduled for an abdominal-perineal resection for cancer of the rectum. Which components should the nurse include in the client’s preoperative education? Select all that apply.

  • A. The enterostomal nurse will be visiting the client prior to surgery.
  • B. After surgery rectal suppositories will be given to prevent straining and stress.
  • C. The bowel will be cleansed before surgery with a laxative, enema, or whole-gut lavage.
  • D. Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics will be prescribed to be given preoperatively.
  • E. A member of the surgical team will discuss the risk of postoperative sexual dysfunction.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E

Rationale: An abdominal-perineal resection removes the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus. As a result the client will have a permanent colostomy. The enterostomal nurse will identify and mark an appropriate stoma location after considering the client’s skinfolds, clothing preferences, and the level of the colostomy. The bowel is cleansed preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed to be given preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Postoperatively the client with an abdominal-perineal resection is at risk for sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence as a result of nerve damage. This needs to be discussed with the client prior to surgery by the surgeon or a member of the surgical team.