The client recovering from acute pancreatitis who has been NPO asks the nurse, “When can I start eating again?” Which response by the nurse is most accurate?
- A. “As soon as you start to feel hungry you can begin eating.”
- B. “When I hear that your bowel sounds are active and you are passing flatus.”
- C. “When your pain is controlled and your serum lipase level has decreased.”
- D. “You will be NPO for at least more 2 weeks; oral intake stimulates the pancreas.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. Regaining appetite is a positive sign, but it must be accompanied by a decrease in pain before the client is allowed to take food orally. B. Intestinal peristalsis may be slowed due to inflammation associated with acute pancreatitis, but the return of bowel sounds and flatus is not used to determine when to begin oral intake. C. This response is correct. Once pain is controlled and the serum enzyme levels begin to decrease, the client can begin oral intake. These are signs that the pancreas is healing. D. There is no specific time limit for being NPO.
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The nurse is caring for the client diagnosed with hepatic encephalopathy. Which sign and symptom indicate the disease is progressing?
- A. The client has a decrease in serum ammonia level.
- B. The client is not able to circle choices on the menu.
- C. The client is able to take deep breaths as directed.
- D. The client is able to eat previously restricted food items.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inability to circle menu choices indicates worsening cognitive function, a sign of progressing hepatic encephalopathy. Decreased ammonia, following directions, and eating are positive or unrelated.
Which assessment data supports the client's diagnosis of gastric ulcer to the nurse?
- A. Presence of blood in the client's stool for the past month.
- B. Reports of a burning sensation moving like a wave.
- C. Sharp pain in the upper abdomen after eating a heavy meal.
- D. Complaints of epigastric pain 30 to 60 minutes after ingesting food.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gastric ulcers typically cause epigastric pain 30–60 minutes after eating due to acid irritation of the ulcerated mucosa. Blood in stool is more indicative of lower GI issues, a wave-like sensation is vague, and sharp pain after heavy meals is less specific.
The occupational health nurse has had five (5) clients come to the clinic complaining of abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting. Which information should the nurse teach the employees to decrease the spread of this condition?
- A. Teach the employees to cough into the sleeve.
- B. Teach the housekeepers to use an antibacterial soap.
- C. Teach the coworkers to get a hepatitis vaccine.
- D. Teach the employees to wash their hands frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Frequent handwashing prevents the spread of gastroenteritis, likely causing these symptoms. Coughing into sleeves, antibacterial soap, and hepatitis vaccines are less relevant.
A client with pancreatitis tells the nurse that he fears nighttime. Which of the following statements most likely relates to the client's concerns?
- A. The pain is aggravated in the recumbent position.
- B. The client has fewer distractions at night.
- C. The mattress is uncomfortable.
- D. The pain increases after a day of activity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pancreatitis pain is often worsened in the recumbent position, contributing to the client’s fear of nighttime.
The nurse is teaching the client diagnosed with diverticulosis. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching session?
- A. Discuss the importance of drinking 1,000 mL of water daily.
- B. Instruct the client to exercise at least three (3) times a week.
- C. Teach the client about eating a low-residue diet.
- D. Explain the need to have daily bowel movements.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Regular exercise promotes bowel motility, reducing the risk of diverticulitis in diverticulosis. A high-fiber diet (not low-residue) is recommended, 1,000 mL of water is insufficient, and daily bowel movements are not mandatory.