During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?
- A. Concave, midline umbilicus
- B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
- C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
- D. Absence of a bruit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The pulsation in this area could be the enlargement of the aorta, which can be life-threatening if it ruptures. Reporting this finding to the physician is crucial for further evaluation and intervention.
Choice A (Concave, midline umbilicus) is incorrect because it is a normal finding during an abdominal assessment. Choice C (Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute) is incorrect as it falls within the normal range of bowel sounds. Choice D (Absence of a bruit) is also incorrect as the absence of a bruit is a normal finding and does not indicate any immediate concern.
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A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?
- A. Milk products
- B. Hard cheese
- C. Turnips
- D. Cottage cheese
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. Turnips contain peroxidase enzymes that can cause false-positive results in occult blood tests. Therefore, the client should avoid consuming turnips for 3 days before collecting the stool specimen.
Incorrect options:
A: Milk products - Milk products do not interfere with occult blood tests.
B: Hard cheese - Hard cheese does not contain peroxidase enzymes that would affect the test results.
D: Cottage cheese - Cottage cheese also does not contain peroxidase enzymes that would interfere with the test.
Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings. This is appropriate for a client with ulcerative colitis because small, frequent feedings help reduce gastrointestinal distress and maintain proper nutrition. Clients with ulcerative colitis often have difficulty tolerating large meals, so small, frequent feedings can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
A: Recording intake and output is important for certain conditions but not specifically for ulcerative colitis.
C: Using a heating pad may provide temporary relief for abdominal cramping but does not address the underlying issue of ulcerative colitis.
D: Accepting a colostomy is not an expected outcome for ulcerative colitis treatment unless all other options have failed.
The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
- A. Abdominal cramping and pain
- B. Bradycardia and indigestion
- C. Sweating and pallor
- D. Double vision and chest pain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, sweating and pallor, for early signs of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is characterized by rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diaphoresis (sweating) and pallor due to vasomotor instability. Abdominal cramping and pain (A) are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues, not specific to dumping syndrome. Bradycardia and indigestion (B) are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome, as it usually presents with tachycardia due to fluid shifts. Double vision and chest pain (D) are not commonly associated with dumping syndrome.
When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:
- A. Controlling abdominal pain.
- B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
- C. Preventing respiratory complications.
- D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook. This is because having a positive mindset can help the client cope better with the challenges of extended convalescence. It can improve overall well-being, mental health, and motivation for recovery.
A: Controlling abdominal pain - While abdominal pain may be a symptom of hepatitis A, it is not the most crucial aspect for extended convalescence.
B: Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern - While important for overall health, this is not specifically related to complications from hepatitis A.
C: Preventing respiratory complications - While respiratory complications can occur in severe cases of hepatitis A, it is not the most likely difficulty the client will face during extended convalescence.
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?
- A. Constipation.
- B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
- C. Steatorrhea.
- D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bloody, diarrheal stools. In ulcerative colitis, inflammation of the colon leads to symptoms such as bloody diarrhea. This occurs due to ulceration and inflammation of the colon lining. The presence of blood in the stool is a hallmark symptom of ulcerative colitis. The other choices are incorrect because:
A: Constipation is not typically associated with ulcerative colitis. It is more common in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
C: Steatorrhea, which is fatty, greasy stools, is not a common symptom of ulcerative colitis.
D: Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea are more indicative of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome or functional gastrointestinal disorders, not specifically ulcerative colitis.