The nurse is taking a hospital admission history for the 40-year-old client. The nurse is concerned about possible acute pancreatitis when the client makes which statement?
- A. “I have sudden-onset intense pain in my upper left abdomen that goes to my back.”
- B. “I had persistent lower abdominal pain that now shifted to the lower right quadrant.”
- C. “My stools are loose and bloody, and I have cramping abdominal pain with spasms.”
- D. “I have this mild pain in my upper abdomen, but I have been vomiting forcefully a lot.”
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The predominant symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe, deep or piercing, continuous or steady abdominal pain in the upper left quadrant. The pain may radiate to the back because of the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas. Middle-aged individuals are at increased risk for developing acute pancreatitis. B. Abdominal pain located mainly in the right lower quadrant may be a symptom of appendicitis (not pancreatitis). Appendicitis is more common in younger adults. C. Bloody diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain are symptoms of IBD, also more common in young adults. D. Upper abdominal pain and projectile vomiting are symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction or another GI disorder and not pancreatitis.
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The nurse is teaching a class on diverticulosis. Which interventions should the nurse discuss when teaching ways to prevent an acute exacerbation of diverticulosis?
- A. Eat a high-fiber diet.
- B. Increase fluid intake.
- C. Elevate the HOB after eating.
- D. Walk 30 minutes a day.
- E. Take an antacid every two (2) hours.
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: High-fiber diet, increased fluids, and regular exercise (e.g., walking) prevent constipation and reduce pressure in diverticula, lowering exacerbation risk. Elevating the HOB and antacids are unrelated to diverticulosis prevention.
The dietitian and the nurse in a long-term care facility are planning the menu for the day. Which foods should be recommended for the immobile clients for whom swallowing is not an issue?
- A. Cheeseburger and milk shake.
- B. Canned peaches and a sandwich on whole-wheat bread.
- C. Mashed potatoes and mechanically ground red meat.
- D. Biscuits and gravy with bacon.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Mashed potatoes and ground meat are soft, low-fiber, and digestible, suitable for immobile clients to prevent constipation. Burgers, whole-wheat, and fatty foods are harder to digest.
The client being admitted from the emergency department is diagnosed with a fecal impaction. Which nursing intervention should be implemented?
- A. Administer an antidiarrheal medication every day and prn.
- B. Perform bowel training every two (2) hours.
- C. Administer an oil retention enema.
- D. Prepare for an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series x-ray.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An oil retention enema softens and facilitates removal of impacted stool. Antidiarrheals are contraindicated, bowel training is long-term, and UGI is irrelevant.
The nurse is administering morning medications at 0730. Which medication should have priority?
- A. A proton pump inhibitor.
- B. A nonnarcotic analgesic.
- C. A histamine receptor antagonist.
- D. A mucosal barrier agent.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay treatment for GERD, reducing acid production and preventing esophageal damage. They should be prioritized over analgesics, histamine receptor antagonists, or mucosal barrier agents, which are less critical for immediate symptom control and healing.
The clinic nurse is talking on the phone to a client who has diarrhea. Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
- A. Tell the client to measure the amount of stool.
- B. Recommend the client come to the clinic immediately.
- C. Explain the client should follow the BRAT diet.
- D. Discuss taking an over-the-counter histamine-2 blocker.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is bland and helps manage diarrhea. Measuring stool is impractical, immediate clinic visits depend on severity, and H2 blockers are irrelevant.