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The 25-year-old client, hospitalized with an exacerbation of distal ulcerative colitis, is prescribed mesalamine rectally via enema. The client states that an enema is disgusting and wants to know why the medication cannot be given orally. Which is the best response by the nurse?
- A. “It can be given orally; I’ll contact the doctor and see if the change can be made.”
- B. “Rectal administration delivers the mesalamine directly to the affected area.”
- C. “Oral administration is not possible for treating your ulcerative colitis exacerbation.”
- D. “It can be given orally; I’ll make the change, and we’ll tell the doctor in the morning.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. If the client still desires a change in medication route after the rationale for rectal administration is explained, the HCP should be consulted. B. This is the nurse’s best response because it explains the purpose for administration via enema. This route delivers mesalamine (Asacol) directly to the affected area, thus maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects. C. Oral administration is possible, but rectal administration is preferred in distal colitis. D. Nurses cannot order medications or change medication routes without specific approval by the HCP, who is licensed to prescribe medications.
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The nurse is caring for the client who has a temporary colostomy following surgery for colon cancer. The nurse assesses that the client’s colostomy bag is empty and that there has been no stool since surgery 24 hours ago. What should the nurse do?
- A. Call the surgeon immediately.
- B. Place the client left side-lying.
- C. Document these findings.
- D. Give a laxative medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should document the findings; the absence of stool is expected 24 hours postsurgery.
The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is prescribed a low-residue diet. Which meal selection indicates the client understands the diet teaching?
- A. Grilled hamburger on a wheat bun and fried potatoes.
- B. A chicken salad sandwich and lettuce and tomato salad.
- C. Roast pork, white rice, and plain custard.
- D. Fried fish, whole grain pasta, and fruit salad.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A low-residue diet minimizes fiber to reduce bowel irritation, so roast pork, white rice, and plain custard (low-fiber foods) are appropriate. The other options include high-fiber foods like wheat, vegetables, and whole grains, which are contraindicated.
The client is diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which intervention should the nurse teach the client to reduce symptoms?
- A. Instruct the client to avoid drinking fluids with meals.
- B. Explain the need to decrease intake of flatus-forming foods.
- C. Teach the client how to perform gentle perianal care.
- D. Encourage the client to attend a support group meeting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Decreasing flatus-forming foods (e.g., beans, broccoli) reduces bloating and discomfort in IBS. Avoiding fluids with meals is not standard, perianal care is secondary, and support groups are psychosocial.
The client is diagnosed with salmonellosis secondary to eating some slightly cooked hamburger meat. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect the client to report?
- A. Abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting.
- B. Neuromuscular paralysis and dysphagia.
- C. Gross amounts of explosive bloody diarrhea.
- D. Frequent 'rice water stool' with no fecal odor.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salmonellosis typically causes abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting due to bacterial irritation of the GI tract. Paralysis is botulism, bloody diarrhea is more typical of other pathogens, and rice water stool is cholera.
The client with liver problems asks the nurse, 'Why are my stools clay-colored?' On which scientific rationale should the nurse base the response?
- A. There is an increase in serum ammonia level.
- B. The liver is unable to excrete bilirubin.
- C. The liver is unable to metabolize fatty foods.
- D. A damaged liver cannot detoxify vitamins.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clay-colored stools result from the liver’s inability to excrete bilirubin, which gives stool its brown color. Ammonia, fat metabolism, and vitamin detoxification are unrelated.