Nokea
The client is admitted to the hospital complaining of malaise, abdominal discomfort, and severe diarrhea. The diagnosis is possible Crohn's disease. The client says that he has lost 27 pounds in the last four months even though he has not been dieting. To plan nursing care, which assessment data are most essential for the nurse to obtain?
- A. Approximate number and characteristics of stools each day
- B. Amount of liquid consumed daily
- C. History of previous gastric surgery
- D. Bowel sounds in the right lower quadrant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frequent stools are characteristic of Crohn’s disease, and their number and characteristics are critical for assessing dehydration and skin breakdown risks.
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Which intervention should the nurse implement specifically for the client in end-stage liver failure who is experiencing hepatic encephalopathy?
- A. Assess the client's neurological status.
- B. Prepare to administer a loop diuretic.
- C. Check the client's stool for blood.
- D. Assess for an abdominal fluid wave.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Neurological assessment monitors hepatic encephalopathy progression (e.g., confusion, asterixis), guiding treatment. Diuretics, stool checks, and fluid wave assessments are less specific.
The client two (2) hours postoperative laparoscopic cholecystectomy is complaining of severe pain in the right shoulder. Which nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen for 15 to 20 minutes.
- B. Administer morphine sulfate intravenously after diluting with saline.
- C. Contact the surgeon for an order to x-ray the right shoulder.
- D. Apply a sling to the right arm, which was injured during surgery.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Right shoulder pain post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy is often referred pain from CO2 used in the procedure irritating the diaphragm. IV morphine relieves pain effectively. Heating pads, x-rays, or slings are inappropriate.
The client diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis is concerned about pain control. The nurse explains that the initial plan for chronic pancreatic pain control involves the administration of which of the following?
- A. Opioid analgesics, such as morphine sulfate
- B. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- C. Pancreatic enzymes with H2 blocker medications
- D. Injection of medication directly into the nerves
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Opioid analgesics may be prescribed if pancreatic enzymes do not relieve pain. B. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, may be used to treat chronic pancreatic pain, but they are not the initial treatment and are usually not sufficient to control the pain. C. The initial pain control measures include exogenous pancreatic enzymes because pancreatic stimulation by food is thought to cause pain. Pancreatic enzymes are coupled with H2 blockers, which block the action of histamine on parietal cells in the stomach. H2 blockers are used because gastric acid destroys the lipase needed to break down fats. D. A nerve block relieves pain in about 50 percent of people who undergo the procedure, but this is not the initial measure for pain control.
A client is admitted to the hospital with a gnawing pain in the mid-epigastric area and black stools for the past week. A diagnosis of chronic duodenal ulcer is made. During the initial nursing assessment, the client makes all of the following statements. Which is most likely related to his admitting diagnosis?
- A. I am a vegetarian.'
- B. My mother and grandmother have diabetes.'
- C. I take aspirin several times a day for tension headaches.'
- D. I take multivitamin and iron tablets every day.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aspirin is very irritating to the gastric mucosa and is known to cause ulcers. Vegetarianism, family history of diabetes, and multivitamins with iron are not directly linked to duodenal ulcers.
The client is diagnosed with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Provide a low-residue diet.
- B. Rest the client's bowel.
- C. Assess vital signs daily.
- D. Administer antacids orally.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, resting the bowel (often via NPO status or clear liquids) reduces inflammation and irritation. A low-residue diet is used in stable phases, daily vital signs are routine, and antacids are irrelevant.