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Which of the following nursing actions should be included in the plan of care for a patient who is being treated for bleeding esophageal varices with balloon tamponade using a device such as a Blakemore tube?
- A. Monitor the patient for shortness of breath.
- B. Encourage the patient to cough every 4 hours.
- C. Deflate the gastric balloon every 12 hours.
- D. Verify the position of the balloon every 6 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A common complication of balloon tamponade is occlusion of the airway by the balloon, so it is important to monitor the patient's respiratory status. In addition, if the gastric balloon ruptures, the esophageal balloon may slip upward and occlude the airway. Coughing increases the pressure on the varices and increases the risk for bleeding. Balloon position is verified after insertion and does not require further verification. The esophageal balloon is deflated every 8-12 hours to avoid necrosis, but if the gastric balloon is deflated, the esophageal balloon may occlude the airway.
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The nurse is caring for a patient with cirrhosis and esophageal varices who has a new prescription for propranolol. Which of the following assessment findings is the best indicator that the medication has been effective?
- A. The apical pulse rate is 68 beats/minute.
- B. Stools test negative for occult blood.
- C. The patient denies complaints of chest pain.
- D. Blood pressure is less than 140/90 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the purpose of β-blocker therapy for patients with esophageal varices is to decrease the risk for bleeding from esophageal varices, the best indicator of the effectiveness for propranolol is the lack of blood in the stools. Although propranolol is used to treat hypertension, angina, and tachycardia, the purpose for use in this patient is to decrease the risk for bleeding from esophageal varices.
Which of the following nursing actions should be included in the plan of care for a patient with cirrhosis who has ascites and 4+ edema of the feet and legs?
- A. Weekly weight of patient.
- B. Reposition the patient every 4 hours.
- C. Restrict sodium intake.
- D. Perform passive range-of-motion QID.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To maintain skin integrity, restrict sodium intake as ordered to prevent additional fluid retention. The patient should be weighed daily, not weekly. Repositioning the patient every 4 hours will not be adequate to maintain skin integrity, patients should be repositioned at least every two hours. Passive range of motion will not take pressure off areas like the sacrum that are vulnerable to breakdown.
The nurse is assessing a patient who had a liver transplant a week previously and obtains the following data. Which of the following findings is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
- A. Dry lips and oral mucosa
- B. Crackles at both lung bases
- C. Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F)
- D. Pain at the incision site
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles at both lung bases may indicate pulmonary edema or infection, which are serious complications post-liver transplant requiring immediate attention. Dry lips, fever, and incisional pain are also concerning but less urgent unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.
The nurse is educating a patient with persistent pancreatitis about the prescribed pancrelipase. At which time would the nurse recommend taking the drug?
- A. Bedtime
- B. With every meal
- C. Upon arising in the morning
- D. As soon as abdominal pain starts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes are used to help with digestion of nutrients and should be taken with every meal or snacks.
Which of the following assessment findings in a patient with acute pancreatitis should the nurse report urgently to the health care provider?
- A. Nausea and vomiting
- B. Hypotonic bowel sounds
- C. Abdominal tenderness and guarding
- D. Muscle twitching and finger numbness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Muscle twitching and finger numbness indicate hypocalcemia, which may lead to tetany unless calcium gluconate is administered. Numbness or tingling around the lips and in the fingers is an early indicator of hypocalcemia. Although the other findings also should be reported to the health care provider, they do not indicate complications that require rapid action.