Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Profuse vomiting. In small bowel obstruction, the vomitus is typically profuse, as the small bowel is narrower and more distensible than the large bowel. This leads to rapid accumulation of gastric contents resulting in frequent vomiting. Cramping abdominal pain (B) can occur in both small and large bowel obstruction. Abdominal distention (C) is a common symptom in both types of obstruction due to the accumulation of gas and fluid. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction (D) are indicative of partial obstruction and can be present in both small and large bowel obstruction.
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A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.
- A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
- B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
- C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
- D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain. In acute pancreatitis, pain management is crucial, and Meperidine is commonly used due to its minimal effect on the sphincter of Oddi.
Incorrect options:
A: Small, frequent high-calorie feedings can exacerbate pancreatitis by stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion.
C: Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated is not a specific intervention for pancreatitis.
D: Administering antacids and anticholinergics is not a standard treatment for pancreatitis and may not address the underlying cause of the condition.
A client with viral hepatitis states, 'I am so yellow.' The nurse most appropriately would
- A. Assist the client in expressing feelings.
- B. Do most of the activities of daily living for the client.
- C. Provide information to the client only when the client requests it.
- D. Restrict visitors until the jaundice subsides.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assisting the client in expressing feelings shows empathy and addresses the client's emotional needs. It helps the client cope with the physical manifestations of the illness. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes dependence. Choice C is incorrect because providing information only upon request may not address the client's emotional distress. Choice D is incorrect as restricting visitors may further isolate the client.
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.
Cholestyramine resin (Questran Light) is prescribed for the client with an elevated serum cholesterol level. The nurse would instruct the client to take the medication
- A. After meals.
- B. Mixed with fruit juice.
- C. Via rectal suppository.
- D. At least 3 hours before meals.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mixed with fruit juice. Cholestyramine resin should be taken mixed with a liquid, such as fruit juice, to prevent esophageal irritation and improve absorption. Taking it with a meal can interfere with nutrient absorption. Taking it via rectal suppository is incorrect as it is an oral medication. Taking it at least 3 hours before meals is not necessary and may lead to decreased effectiveness. Mixing it with fruit juice helps improve tolerability and effectiveness.
The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increase intake of fluids including juices. This is because viral hepatitis can cause anorexia and a decreased taste for food, leading to poor nutrition. Increasing fluid intake, especially juices, can help provide essential nutrients and prevent dehydration.
A: Eating a good supper when anorexia is not as severe may not be effective in addressing the client's overall nutritional needs during the day.
B: Eating less often and only three large meals daily can worsen the client's nutritional status and may not address the decreased appetite and taste for food.
D: Selecting foods high in fat may not be appropriate for someone with viral hepatitis, as it can exacerbate liver inflammation and contribute to poor nutrition.