A patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would immediately alert the healthcare provider that the patient has bleeding from the GI tract?
- A. Complete blood count
- B. Guaiac test
- C. Vital signs
- D. Abdominal girth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.
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What is the primary purpose of a platelet count?
- A. Assessing clot formation potential
- B. Assessing bleeding risk
- C. Detecting antigen-antibody response
- D. Identifying cardiac enzymes presence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A platelet count is primarily used to assess the risk of bleeding. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, so a low platelet count can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring platelet levels helps healthcare providers evaluate a patient's ability to form clots and manage bleeding.
Which of the following is a sign or symptom of a hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion?
- A. Hemoglobinuria
- B. Chest pain
- C. Urticaria
- D. Distended neck veins
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hemoglobinuria is a characteristic sign of a hemolytic reaction to a blood transfusion. Hemolytic reactions can lead to the destruction of red blood cells, causing the release of hemoglobin into the urine, which presents as hemoglobinuria. Chest pain, urticaria, and distended neck veins are not specific signs of a hemolytic reaction and may be associated with other conditions or reactions.
Which of the following signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to find when assessing an Asian patient for postoperative pain following abdominal surgery?
- A. Decreased blood pressure and heart rate and shallow respirations
- B. Quiet crying
- C. Immobility, diaphoresis, and avoidance of deep breathing or coughing
- D. Changing position every 2 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Which deficiency is most commonly seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder?
- A. Thiamine
- B. Riboflavin
- C. Pyridoxine
- D. Pantothenic acid
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Thiamine deficiency, also known as Vitamin B1 deficiency, is the most common vitamin deficiency seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to decreased thiamine absorption and utilization, as well as poor dietary intake. Thiamine deficiency can result in serious neurological complications, such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, making it essential to address thiamine supplementation in individuals with alcohol use disorder.
What is the correct sequence for assessing the abdomen?
- A. Tympanic percussion, measurement of abdominal girth, and inspection
- B. Assessment for distention, tenderness, and discoloration around the umbilicus
- C. Percussion, palpation, and auscultation
- D. Auscultation, percussion, and palpation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct sequence for assessing the abdomen is auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation allows the healthcare provider to listen for bowel sounds, followed by percussion to assess for areas of tenderness or abnormal distention, and finally palpation to feel for masses or organ enlargement. This sequence ensures a systematic and thorough assessment of the abdomen.