Nokea
A patients large bowel obstruction has failed to resolve spontaneously and the patients worsening condition has warranted admission to the medical unit. Which of the following aspects of nursing care is most appropriate for this patient?
- A. Administering bowel stimulants as ordered
- B. Administering bulk-forming laxatives as ordered
- C. Performing deep palpation as ordered to promote peristalsis
- D. Preparing the patient for surgical bowel resection
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The usual treatment for a large bowel obstruction is surgical resection to remove the obstructing lesion. Administration of laxatives or bowel stimulants are contraindicated if the bowel is obstructed. Palpation would be painful and has no therapeutic benefit.
You may also like to solve these questions
A 35-year-old male patient presents at the emergency department with symptoms of a small bowel obstruction. In collaboration with the primary care provider, what intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Insertion of a nasogastric tube
- B. Insertion of a central venous catheter
- C. Administration of a mineral oil enema
- D. Administration of a glycerin suppository and an oral laxative
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Decompression of the bowel through a nasogastric tube is necessary for all patients with small bowel obstruction. Peripheral IV access is normally sufficient. Enemas, suppositories, and laxatives are not indicated if an obstruction is present.
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 caring for a patient with a newly created ileostomy assesses the patient and notes that the patient has had no ostomy output for the past 12 hours. The patient also complains of worsening nausea. What is the nurses priority action?
- A. Facilitate a referral to the wound-ostomy-continence (WOC) nurse.
- B. Report signs and symptoms of obstruction to the physician.
- C. Encourage the patient to mobilize to enhance motility.
- D. Contact the physician and obtain a swab of the stoma for culture.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: It is important to report nausea and abdominal distention, which may indicate intestinal obstruction. This requires prompt medical intervention. Referral to the WOC nurse is not an appropriate short-term response, since medical treatment is necessary. Physical mobility will not normally resolve an obstruction. There is no need to collect a culture from the stoma, because infection is unrelated to this problem.
A patient has been experiencing occasional episodes of constipation and has been unable to achieve consistent relief by increasing physical activity and improving his diet. What pharmacologic intervention should the nurse recommend to the patient for ongoing use?
- A. Mineral oil enemas
- B. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
- C. Senna (Senokot)
- D. Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) is a bulk-forming laxative that is safe for ongoing use. None of the other listed laxatives should be used on an ongoing basis because of the risk of dependence.
A nurse is caring for an older adult who has been experiencing severe Clostridium difficile-related diarrhea. When reviewing the patients most recent laboratory tests, the nurse should prioritize which of the following?
- A. White blood cell level
- B. Creatinine level
- C. Hemoglobin level
- D. Potassium level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In elderly patients, it is important to monitor the patients serum electrolyte levels closely. Diarrhea is less likely to cause an alteration in white blood cell, creatinine, and hemoglobin levels.