A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the operating room following the creation of a colostomy. The nurse is assessing the drainage in the pouch attached to the site where the colostomy was formed and notes serosanguineous drainage. Which nursing action is most appropriate based on this assessment?
- A. Notify the physician
- B. Document the amount and characteristics of the drainage
- C. Apply ice to the stoma site
- D. Apply pressure to the site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Document the amount and characteristics of the drainage. This is appropriate as serosanguineous drainage is expected after colostomy creation. Documenting helps monitor for any changes and provides crucial information for the healthcare team.
Choice A (Notify the physician) is not necessary at this point as serosanguineous drainage is normal postoperatively. Choice C (Apply ice to the stoma site) and Choice D (Apply pressure to the site) are both incorrect actions that are not indicated in this situation and could potentially harm the client.
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A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of
- A. 45 units/L
- B. 100 units/L
- C. 300 units/L
- D. 500 units/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (300 units/L) because in chronic pancreatitis, there is ongoing inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to elevated serum amylase levels. A level of 300 units/L is indicative of pancreatitis. Choices A and B are too low for chronic pancreatitis, and choice D is too high and would typically be seen in acute pancreatitis.
Which of the following expected outcomes would be most appropriate for a client with peptic ulcer disease? The client will:
- A. verbalize absence of epigastric pain.
- B. accept the need to inject himself with vitamin B12 for the rest of his life.
- C. understand the need to increase his exercise activity.
- D. eliminate stress from his life.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: verbalize absence of epigastric pain. This outcome is most appropriate as it directly relates to the client's condition of peptic ulcer disease. Verbalizing the absence of epigastric pain indicates that the client's ulcer is healing and symptoms are improving. It is a measurable and specific goal that reflects the client's progress in managing the disease.
Choice B is incorrect as vitamin B12 injections are not typically necessary for peptic ulcer disease. Choice C is incorrect as exercise may not directly impact the ulcer and may even exacerbate symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as eliminating stress completely is unrealistic and may not directly impact the ulcer.
The nurse has inserted a nasogastric tube to the level of the oropharynx and has repositioned the client's head in a flexed-forward position. The client has been asked to begin swallowing. The nurse starts slowly to advance the nasogastric tube with each swallow. The client begins to cough, gag, and choke. Which nursing action would least likely result in proper tube insertion and promote client relaxation?
- A. Continuing to advance the tube to the desired distance
- B. Pulling the tube back slightly
- C. Checking the back of the pharynx using a tongue blade and flashlight.
- D. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. The client is experiencing coughing, gagging, and choking, indicating improper tube insertion.
2. Continuing to advance the tube can lead to further discomfort and potential complications.
3. Pulling the tube back slightly allows for reevaluation of placement and prevents further irritation.
4. Checking the back of the pharynx can identify any obstruction or incorrect placement.
5. Instructing the client to breathe slowly and take sips of water can help relax the client and facilitate proper insertion.
The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates best understanding of the medication therapy?
- A. The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid.
- B. Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach.
- C. Antacids will coat my stomach.
- D. Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that decreases stomach acid production.
2. Peptic ulcer disease is often caused by excessive stomach acid.
3. By decreasing stomach acid, cimetidine helps to heal the ulcer and prevent further damage.
4. Understanding this mechanism of action demonstrates the client's comprehension of the medication therapy.
Summary:
B: Sucralfate does not change stomach fluid; it forms a protective barrier over the ulcer.
C: Antacids neutralize stomach acid but do not coat the stomach.
D: Omeprazole reduces stomach acid production, not coats the ulcer.
The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that
- A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
- B. This is a normal, expected event.
- C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
- D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: This is a normal, expected event. After colostomy creation, it is common for clients to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma as the intestines begin to function. This is due to the presence of normal intestinal flora. Choice A is incorrect as preoperative bowel preparation does not directly relate to malodorous flatus post-colostomy. Choice C is incorrect as ischemic bowel presents with more serious symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as nasogastric tube removal is not related to passing flatus from the stoma.