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A patient has been diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction and has been admitted to the medical unit. The nurses care should prioritize which of the following outcomes?
- A. Preventing infection
- B. Maintaining skin and tissue integrity
- C. Preventing nausea and vomiting
- D. Maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: All of the listed focuses of care are important for the patient with a small bowel obstruction. However, the patients risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalances is an immediate threat to safety, and is a priority in nursing assessment and interventions.
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A patients health history is suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following would suggest Crohns disease, rather than ulcerative colitis, as the cause of the patients signs and symptoms?
- A. A pattern of distinct exacerbations and remissions
- B. Severe diarrhea
- C. An absence of blood in stool
- D. Involvement of the rectal mucosa
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bloody stool is far more common in cases of UC than in Crohns. Rectal involvement is nearly 100% in cases of UC (versus 20% in Crohns) and patients with UC typically experience severe diarrhea. UC is also characterized by a pattern of remissions and exacerbations, while Crohns often has a more prolonged and variable course.
A nurse is providing care for a patient who has a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). When planning this patients care, the nurse should collaborate with the patient and prioritize what goal?
- A. Patient will accurately identify foods that trigger symptoms.
- B. Patient will demonstrate appropriate care of his ileostomy.
- C. Patient will demonstrate appropriate use of standard infection control precautions.
- D. Patient will adhere to recommended guidelines for mobility and activity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A major focus of nursing care for the patient with IBS is to identify factors that exacerbate symptoms. Surgery is not used to treat this health problem and infection control is not a concern that is specific to this diagnosis. Establishing causation likely is more important to the patient than managing physical activity.
A nursing instructor is discussing hemorrhoids with the nursing class. Which patients would the nursing instructor identify as most likely to develop hemorrhoids?
- A. A 45-year-old teacher who stands for 6 hours per day
- B. A pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation
- C. A 37-year-old construction worker who does heavy lifting
- D. A 60-year-old professional who is under stress
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hemorrhoids commonly affect 50% of patients after the age of 50. Pregnancy may initiate hemorrhoids or aggravate existing ones. This is due to increased constipation during pregnancy. The significance of pregnancy is greater than that of standing, lifting, or stress in the development of hemorrhoids.
A patient with a diagnosis of colon cancer is 2 days postoperative following bowel resection and anastomosis. The nurse has planned the patients care in the knowledge of potential complications. What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Close monitoring of temperature
- B. Frequent abdominal auscultation
- C. Assessment of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell levels
- D. Palpation of peripheral pulses and leg girth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After bowel surgery, it is important to frequently assess the abdomen, including bowel sounds and abdominal girth, to detect bowel obstruction. The resumption of bowel motility is a priority over each of the other listed assessments, even though each should be performed by the nurse.
A teenage patient with a pilonidal cyst has been brought for care by her mother. The nurse who is contributing to the patients care knows that treatment will be chosen based on what risk?
- A. Risk for infection
- B. Risk for bowel incontinence
- C. Risk for constipation
- D. Risk for impaired tissue perfusion
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pilonidal cysts frequently develop into an abscess, necessitating surgical repair. These cysts do not contribute to bowel incontinence, constipation, or impaired tissue perfusion.