The client is being admitted to a postsurgical unit following anorectal surgery. The nurse reviews the following postoperative orders from the surgeon. Which order should the nurse question?
- A. Give morphine sulfate per IV bolus before the first defecation.
- B. Have the client take a sitz bath after each defecation.
- C. Begin high-fiber diet as soon as client can tolerate oral intake.
- D. Position supine with the head of the bed elevated to 30 degrees.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Pain medication is recommended before the first defecation to avoid straining. B. A sitz bath is encouraged for rectal cleansing after defecation. C. A high-fiber diet prevents constipation. D. After anorectal surgery, the client should be positioned in a side-lying (not supine) position to decrease rectal edema and client discomfort.
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The nurse identifies the client problem 'alteration in gastrointestinal system' for the elderly client. Which statement reflects the most appropriate rationale for this problem?
- A. Elderly clients have the ability to chew food more thoroughly with dentures.
- B. Elderly clients have an increase in digestive enzymes, which helps with digestion.
- C. Elderly clients have an increased need for laxatives because of a decrease in bile.
- D. Elderly clients have an increase in bacteria in the GI system, resulting in diarrhea.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly clients often have reduced peristalsis and bile production, leading to constipation and increased laxative need, supporting the GI alteration problem. Dentures, enzyme increase, and bacterial overgrowth are less accurate.
The client diagnosed with acute diverticulitis is complaining of severe abdominal pain. On assessment, the nurse finds a hard, rigid abdomen and T 102°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the health-care provider.
- B. Prepare to administer a Fleet's enema.
- C. Administer an antipyretic suppository.
- D. Continue to monitor the client closely.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A rigid abdomen and fever (102°F) suggest possible perforation or peritonitis, requiring immediate HCP notification for evaluation and possible surgical intervention. Enemas are contraindicated, and antipyretics or monitoring delay critical action.
The experienced nurse is teaching the new nurse about surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. The experienced nurse is most likely to state that the surgery is becoming more common to prevent which emergency complication?
- A. Severe dysphagia
- B. Esophageal edema
- C. Hernia strangulation
- D. Aspiration
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Although dysphagia is a complication of hiatal hernia, it is not an emergency condition. B. Esophageal edema is not a complication of hiatal hernia. C. A hiatal hernia can become strangulated (Circulation of blood to the hernia is cut off by constriction). Strangulation can occur with any type of hernia. D. Although aspiration is a complication of hiatal hernia, it is not an emergency condition.
A client is to have a sigmoidoscopy in the morning. Which activity will be included in the care of this client?
- A. Give him an enema one hour before the examination.
- B. Keep him NPO for eight hours before the examination.
- C. Order a low-fat, low-residue diet for breakfast.
- D. Administer enemas until the returns are clear this evening.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An enema one hour before sigmoidoscopy clears the sigmoid colon for better visualization.
The nurse is caring for the client with Clostridium difficile. Which intervention should the nurse implement to prevent health-care associated infection (HAl) spread to other clients?
- A. Wash hands with Betadine for two (2) minutes after giving care.
- B. Wear nonsterile gloves when handling GI excretions.
- C. Clean the perianal area with soap and water after each stool.
- D. Flush the commode twice when disposing of stool.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cleaning the perianal area with soap and water after each stool reduces the risk of Clostridium difficile spore transmission, which is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Betadine is not standard, gloves are insufficient alone, and flushing twice is not evidence-based.