Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just arrived on the postoperative unit after having a laparoscopic esophagectomy for treatment of esophageal cancer. Which of the following nursing actions should be included in the postoperative plan of care?
- A. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees.
- B. Reposition the nasogastric (NG) tube if drainage stops or decreases.
- C. Notify the doctor immediately about bloody NG drainage.
- D. Start oral fluids when the patient has active bowel sounds.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevation of the head of the bed decreases the risk for reflux and aspiration of gastric secretions. The patient should be in the Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position. The NG tube should not be repositioned without consulting with the health care provider. Bloody NG drainage is expected for the first 8-12 hours. A swallowing study is needed before oral fluids are started.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following information should the nurse plan to teach to a patient with newly diagnosed achalasia?
- A. A liquid or blenderized diet will be necessary.
- B. Drinking fluids with meals should be avoided.
- C. Endoscopic procedures may be used for treatment.
- D. Lying down and resting after meals is recommended.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures are the most effective therapy for improving symptoms caused by achalasia. Patients are advised to drink fluid with meals. Keeping the head elevated after eating will improve esophageal emptying. A semisolid diet is recommended to improve esophageal emptying.
Which of the following findings should the nurse anticipate in a patient with an upper GI bleed?
- A. Increased urinary output
- B. Black, tarry stool
- C. Constipation
- D. Diaphoresis
- E. Epigastric pain
Correct Answer: B,D,E
Rationale: A patient with an upper GI bleed may have a black tarry stool, diaphoresis, and epigastric pain. The patient would have complaints of diarrhea, not constipation. The patient would have a decreased urinary output, not an increased one.
The nurse is caring for a patient who has been NPO during treatment for nausea and vomiting caused by gastric irritation and is to start oral intake. Which of the following menu choices should the nurse offer to the patient?
- A. A glass of orange juice
- B. A dish of lemon gelatin
- C. A cup of coffee with cream
- D. A bowl of hot chicken broth
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clear liquids are usually the first foods started after a patient has been nauseated. Acidic foods such as orange juice, very hot foods, and coffee are poorly tolerated when patients have been nauseated.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a bleeding duodenal ulcer who has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place and a prescription for 30 mL of aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide to be instilled through the tube every hour. Which of the following assessments should the nurse do to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment?
- A. Periodically aspirate and test gastric pH.
- B. Monitor arterial blood gas values on a daily basis.
- C. Check each stool for the presence of occult blood.
- D. Measure the amount of residual stomach contents hourly.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The purpose for antacids is to increase gastric pH. Checking gastric pH is the most direct way of evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. Arterial blood gases may change slightly, but this does not directly reflect the effect of antacids on gastric pH. Because the patient has upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, occult blood in the stools will appear even after the acute bleeding has stopped. The amount of residual stomach contents is not a reflection of resolution of bleeding or of gastric pH.
The health care provider prescribes the following therapies for a patient who has been admitted with dehydration and hypotension after 3 days of nausea and vomiting. Which order should the nurse implement first?
- A. Infuse normal saline at 250 ml/hour.
- B. Administer IV ondansetron.
- C. Provide oral care with moistened swabs.
- D. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Because the patient has severe dehydration, rehydration with IV fluids is the priority. The other orders should be accomplished as quickly as possible after the IV fluids are initiated.