Nokea
A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed mesalamine (Asacol) for ulcerative colitis. The client states, 'I am having trouble swallowing this pill.' Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Contact the clinical pharmacist and request the medication in suspension form.
- B. Empty the contents of the medication into suspension or pudding for administration.
- C. Ask the health care provider to prescribe the medication as an enema instead.
- D. Crush the pill carefully and administer it in applesauce or pudding.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Asacol is an enteric-coated pill that should not be crushed, chewed, or broken, as this would disrupt its delayed-release mechanism. It is not available as a suspension or elixir. A mesalamine enema (Rowasa) is an alternative formulation that can be prescribed if the client cannot swallow the oral form.
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A nurse reviews the chart of a client who has Crohn's disease and a draining fistula. Which documentation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the provider for additional prescriptions?
- A. Serum potassium of 2.6 mEq/L
- B. Client ate 25% of breakfast meal
- C. White blood cell count of 8200/mm³
- D. Client's weight decreased by 3 pounds
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.6 mEq/L is critically low and can lead to serious dysrhythmias, requiring urgent intervention. A normal white blood cell count (8200/mm³) does not warrant immediate action. Reduced meal intake and weight loss are concerning but less urgent than hypokalemia.
A nurse assesses a client with Crohn's disease and colonic strictures. Which clinical manifestation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health care provider?
- A. Distended abdomen
- B. Temperature of 100.0°F (37.8°C)
- C. Loose and bloody stool
- D. Abdominal cramps
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Colonic strictures predispose the client to intestinal obstruction. A distended abdomen may indicate an obstruction, requiring urgent notification of the provider. Low-grade fever, loose and bloody stools, and abdominal cramps are common symptoms of Crohn's disease and do not require immediate intervention.
A nurse assesses a client who is hospitalized for diverticulitis. The client's vital signs are temperature: 99.8°F (37.6°C), heart rate: 100 beats/min, respiratory rate: 18 breaths/min, and blood pressure: 100/62 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Decrease stimulation and allow the client to rest.
- B. Stay with the client while another nurse calls the provider.
- C. Increase the client's intravenous fluid replacement rate.
- D. Check the client's blood glucose and administer orange juice.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client's vital signs suggest possible hypovolemia or early sepsis due to diverticulitis (elevated heart rate, low blood pressure, and mild fever). Staying with the client and having another nurse contact the provider ensures rapid assessment and intervention. Rest, fluid rate increase, or glucose checks are not the priority without further assessment.
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from an ileostomy placement. Which clinical manifestation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health care provider?
- A. Pale and bluish stoma
- B. Liquid stool
- C. Ostomy pouch intact
- D. Blood-smeared output
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A pale or bluish stoma indicates potential ischemia or poor perfusion, requiring urgent provider notification. Liquid stool and blood-smeared output are expected after ileostomy placement, and an intact pouch is normal.
A nurse assesses a client who has appendicitis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
- A. A severe steady right lower quadrant pain.
- B. Abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting
- C. Marked peristalsis and hyperactive bowel sounds.
- D. Abdominal pain that increases with knee flexion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Right lower quadrant pain, specifically at McBurney's point, is characteristic of appendicitis. Nausea and vomiting typically indicate gastroenteritis if they occur first. Marked peristalsis and hyperactive bowel sounds are not typical of appendicitis. Abdominal pain due to appendicitis decreases with knee flexion.