A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vomiting blood. When the esophageal balloon of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is deflated, the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding increases. Vomiting blood indicates active bleeding and requires immediate intervention. Swelling of the abdomen (A) is not directly related to deflating the balloon. Bloody diarrhea (B) is not a common complication of deflating the balloon. An elevated temperature and a rise in blood pressure (D) are not typical signs of complications related to the deflation of the esophageal balloon.
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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: The correct answer is C, sweating and pallor, for early signs of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is characterized by rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diaphoresis (sweating) and pallor due to vasomotor instability. Abdominal cramping and pain (A) are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues, not specific to dumping syndrome. Bradycardia and indigestion (B) are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome, as it usually presents with tachycardia due to fluid shifts. Double vision and chest pain (D) are not commonly associated with dumping syndrome.
During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?
- A. Concave, midline umbilicus
- B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
- C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
- D. Absence of a bruit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The pulsation in this area could be the enlargement of the aorta, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Reporting this finding to the physician is crucial for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice A (Concave, midline umbilicus) is incorrect because it is a normal finding during an abdominal assessment. Choice C (Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute) is incorrect as it falls within the normal range of bowel sounds. Choice D (Absence of a bruit) is also incorrect as the absence of a bruit is a normal finding and does not indicate any immediate concern.
The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client who had a subtotal gastrectomy. The nurse instructs the client regarding the signs and symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. Which of the following signs and symptoms, if identified by the client, indicates an understanding of this potential complication following gastrointestinal surgery?
- A. Hiccups and diarrhea
- B. Fatigue and abdominal pain
- C. Constipation and fever
- D. Diaphoresis and diarrhea
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diaphoresis and diarrhea. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and diarrhea are classic signs of dumping syndrome, a common complication after gastrectomy. Diaphoresis occurs due to the rapid movement of food into the intestines, triggering the release of hormones leading to sweating. Diarrhea results from the rapid emptying of undigested food into the intestines. These symptoms typically occur within 30 minutes to 3 hours after eating in dumping syndrome.
Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Hiccups and diarrhea - Hiccups are not typically associated with dumping syndrome.
B: Fatigue and abdominal pain - Fatigue and abdominal pain are not specific symptoms of dumping syndrome.
C: Constipation and fever - Constipation and fever are not typical signs of dumping syndrome.
In summary, diaphoresis and diarrhea are classic symptoms of dumping syndrome due to rapid emptying of food into the intestines, making
A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Elevated serum bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Elevated serum bilirubin. Hepatitis is characterized by liver inflammation, which can lead to impaired bilirubin metabolism and increased levels in the blood. Elevated serum bilirubin is a common finding in hepatitis. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is not specific to hepatitis. Elevated hemoglobin (Choice C) and elevated blood urea nitrogen (Choice D) are not typically associated with hepatitis and are more indicative of other conditions. In summary, elevated serum bilirubin is a key diagnostic marker for confirming a diagnosis of hepatitis.
The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client indeed has appendicitis?
- A. Leukopenia with a shift to the right
- B. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right
- C. Leukocytosis with a shift to the left
- D. Leukopenia with a shift to the left
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leukocytosis with a shift to the left. In acute appendicitis, the body responds with an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) as a sign of infection. A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature neutrophils, which is a common response to acute bacterial infections like appendicitis. Leukopenia (choices A and D) would not be expected in appendicitis. Leukopenia is a decrease in white blood cells, which is not typical in an acute infection like appendicitis. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right (choice B) could be seen in chronic infections or conditions like leukemia, not in acute appendicitis where a shift to the left is more common due to the rapid response to infection.