A nurse is reviewing the results of serum laboratory studies drawn on a client who is suspected of having hepatitis. The nurse interprets that an elevation in which of the following studies is the most specific indicator of the disease?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Serum bilirubin
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. Blood urea nitrogen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hemoglobin. In hepatitis, there is destruction of red blood cells, leading to decreased hemoglobin levels. This is a specific indicator of the disease. The other choices are incorrect because A (ESR) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, B (serum bilirubin) is elevated in liver dysfunction but not specific to hepatitis, and D (BUN) is a measure of kidney function, not related to hepatitis. Hemoglobin, being directly affected by the disease process in hepatitis, is the most specific indicator among the options provided.
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Cholestyramine resin (Questran Light) is prescribed for the client with an elevated serum cholesterol level. The nurse would instruct the client to take the medication
- A. After meals.
- B. Mixed with fruit juice.
- C. Via rectal suppository.
- D. At least 3 hours before meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mixed with fruit juice. Cholestyramine resin should be taken mixed with a liquid, such as fruit juice, to prevent esophageal irritation and improve absorption. Taking it with a meal can interfere with nutrient absorption. Taking it via rectal suppository is incorrect as it is an oral medication. Taking it at least 3 hours before meals is not necessary and may lead to decreased effectiveness. Mixing it with fruit juice helps improve tolerability and effectiveness.
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.
Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
- A. Confirm proper nasogastric tube placement.
- B. Observe gastric contents.
- C. Assess fluid and electrolyte status.
- D. Evaluate absorption of the last feeding.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): By assessing for gastric residual before administering another feeding through the nasogastric tube, the nurse can evaluate absorption of the last feeding. If there is a significant amount of residual, it may indicate poor absorption, which could lead to complications such as aspiration. This assessment helps in determining the appropriate timing and amount of the next feeding to prevent complications.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Confirming proper nasogastric tube placement is typically done using other methods like pH testing or X-ray. This assessment does not directly relate to evaluating absorption.
B: Observing gastric contents may provide information about the patient's gastric secretions but does not specifically help in evaluating the absorption of the last feeding.
C: Assessing fluid and electrolyte status is important but not the primary purpose of checking gastric residual before administering a feeding. This assessment is more focused on monitoring the patient's overall hydration and electrolyte balance.
The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the postoperative orders, which of the following if prescribed, should the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Irrigating the nasogastric tube. After a Billroth II procedure, the client's stomach has been partially removed, making them prone to dumping syndrome. Irrigating the nasogastric tube can disrupt the natural digestive process and may exacerbate dumping syndrome. Instead, the focus should be on promoting slow, gradual feeding to prevent complications.
Summary:
B: Coughing and deep breathing exercises - Important for preventing respiratory complications postoperatively.
C: Leg exercises - Essential for preventing blood clots and promoting circulation.
D: Early ambulation - Encourages mobility and prevents complications such as pneumonia and blood clots.
A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client's abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?
- A. Perforation
- B. Obstruction
- C. Hemorrhage
- D. Intractability
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perforation. The sudden onset of sharp-severe pain, rigidity, and board-like abdomen are classic signs of a perforated gastric ulcer. The spreading pain and relief in the knee-chest position indicate free air in the peritoneal cavity. Perforation is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention to prevent peritonitis and sepsis.
Choice B: Obstruction is incorrect because it typically presents with a gradual onset of pain, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas.
Choice C: Hemorrhage is incorrect as it usually presents with symptoms like hematemesis, melena, and signs of blood loss such as hypotension and tachycardia.
Choice D: Intractability is incorrect because it refers to the condition being difficult to manage or cure, which is not the acute presentation described in the question.