Nokea
The client with a diagnosis of rule-out colon cancer is two (2) hours post-sigmoidoscopy procedure. Which assessment data warrant immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. The client has hyperactive bowel sounds.
- B. The client is eating a hamburger the family brought.
- C. The client is sleepy and wants to sleep.
- D. The client's BP is 96/60 and apical pulse is 108.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Low BP (96/60) and tachycardia (pulse 108) suggest hypovolemia or bleeding post-sigmoidoscopy, requiring immediate intervention. Hyperactive bowel sounds, eating, and sleepiness are less urgent.
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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.
A child with appendicitis is scheduled for surgery this evening. The nurse enters the room and sees the child's mother starting to place hot, wet washcloths on her daughter's abdomen so that 'she will feel better.' The nurse explains that this action is contraindicated because heat:
- A. can cause the appendix to rupture and cause peritonitis.
- B. can mask symptoms of acute appendicitis.
- C. will increase peristalsis throughout the abdomen.
- D. will arrest progression of the disease.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heat can increase inflammation and blood flow, risking appendix rupture and peritonitis in appendicitis.
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.
While reviewing the client’s medical records, the nurse notes the diagnosis of biliary colic. Considering this diagnosis, which additional sign will the nurse most likely find in the client’s medical record?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Heartburn and regurgitation
- C. Abdominal distention
- D. Severe abdominal pain
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Diarrhea is not related to biliary colic. B. Heartburn and regurgitation are not related to biliary colic. C. Abdominal distention is not related to biliary colic. D. Biliary colic is the term used for the severe pain that is caused by a gallstone lodged in the cystic or common bile duct and/or traveling through the ducts. The presence of the stone causes the duct to spasm, causing severe abdominal pain.
The nurse is caring for the client one (1) day postoperative sigmoid colostomy. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Change the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid.
- B. Encourage the client to ventilate feelings about body image.
- C. Administer opioid narcotic medications for pain management.
- D. Assist the client out of bed to sit in the chair twice daily.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Encouraging ventilation of feelings about body image is an independent nursing intervention addressing psychosocial needs post-colostomy. IV rate, opioids, and ambulation require orders or are less psychosocial.