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The nurse is assessing a client complaining of abdominal pain. Which data support the diagnosis of a bowel obstruction?
- A. Steady, aching pain in one specific area.
- B. Sharp back pain radiating to the flank.
- C. Sharp pain increases with deep breaths.
- D. Intermittent colicky pain near the umbilicus.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intermittent colicky pain near the umbilicus is characteristic of bowel obstruction due to peristalsis against the blockage. Steady pain, back pain, and pain with breathing suggest other conditions.
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During a health promotion seminar for senior citizens, a participant asks the nurse to discuss symptoms of gastric cancer. Which statement should be the basis for the nurse’s response?
- A. Cancers that do not penetrate the gastric muscular layer are asymptomatic in the majority of clients.
- B. Pain from early gastric cancer lesions cannot be reduced by over-the-counter (OTC) histamine receptor antagonists.
- C. Unexplained weight gain and increased body mass index (BMI) are early symptoms of gastric cancer.
- D. Anemia is uncommon in gastric cancer, but if it occurs, it is likely due to the effects of aging.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. Eighty percent of clients with early gastric cancer do not have symptoms. B. Pain caused by gastric cancer can be alleviated by OTC histamine receptor antagonists. C. Weight loss and anemia are common symptoms, not weight gain and increased BMI. D. Anemia occurs from malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies, not the effects of aging.
The 70-year-old client is admitted to the medical unit diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Tell the client not to eat or drink.
- B. Start an intravenous line.
- C. Assess the client for abdominal tenderness.
- D. Have the dietitian consult for a low-residue diet.
- E. Place the client on bedrest with bathroom privileges.
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: NPO status, IV line, abdominal assessment, and bedrest manage acute diverticulitis by resting the bowel and monitoring complications. Low-residue diets are for stable phases.
The client is in the preicteric phase of hepatitis. Which signs/symptoms should the nurse expect the client to exhibit during this phase?
- A. Clay-colored stools and jaundice.
- B. Normal appetite and pruritus.
- C. Being afebrile and left upper quadrant pain.
- D. Complaints of fatigue and diarrhea.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The preicteric phase of hepatitis involves nonspecific symptoms like fatigue and diarrhea before jaundice appears. Clay-colored stools, jaundice, and pruritus occur in the icteric phase.
The nurse is preparing the client for a fiberoptic colonoscopy for colon polyps. Which task can be delegated to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
- A. Administer the polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution.
- B. Explain to the client why this morning's breakfast is withheld.
- C. Start an intravenous site with 0.9% normal saline fluid.
- D. Administer a cleansing enema until the return is clear.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering a cleansing enema is within the UAP’s scope with training. Administering solutions, explaining procedures, and starting IVs require RN skills.
The client, admitted with appendicitis, overhears the physician say that the pain has reached McBurney's point. She becomes very frightened and asks the nurse to explain what this means. Which is the best response?
- A. The next time the doctor comes in, we should ask him what he meant by that.'
- B. I've felt that I don't understand the doctor at times either.'
- C. That is the term used to indicate that the pain has traveled to the right lower side.'
- D. McBurney's point refers to severe pain for which surgery is the only treatment.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: McBurney's point is the area in the right lower quadrant where appendicitis pain localizes, indicating inflammation of the appendix.