While performing a home visit, the nurse observes that the client’s head of the bed is raised on 6-in. blocks. The nurse should question the client for a history of which conditions?
- A. Hiatal hernia
- B. Dumping syndrome
- C. Crohn’s disease
- D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- E. Gastritis
Correct Answer: A, D
Rationale: Clients with a hiatal hernia are encouraged to sleep with the HOB elevated on 4- to 6-in. blocks to reduce intraabdominal pressure and to foster esophageal emptying. B. Dumping syndrome occurs after surgery when the stomach no longer has control over the amount of chime that enters the small intestine. Clients are encouraged to lie flat after a meal. C. Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease of the bowel. Positioning interventions do not decrease symptoms. D. Clients with GERD are encouraged to sleep with the HOB elevated on 4— to 6-in. blocks to reduce intraabdominal pressure and to foster esophageal emptying. E. Gastritis is inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Positioning interventions do not decrease symptoms.
You may also like to solve these questions
The client who has had an abdominal perineal resection is being discharged. Which discharge information should the nurse teach?
- A. The stoma should be a white, blue, or purple color.
- B. Limit ambulation to prevent the pouch from coming off.
- C. Take pain medication when the pain level is at an '8.'
- D. Empty the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Emptying the pouch when one-third to one-half full prevents leaks and skin irritation. A healthy stoma is pink/moist, ambulation is encouraged, and pain medication should be taken before pain becomes severe.
The client is scheduled for an abdominal-perineal resection for cancer of the rectum. Which components should the nurse include in the client’s preoperative education? Select all that apply.
- A. The enterostomal nurse will be visiting the client prior to surgery.
- B. After surgery rectal suppositories will be given to prevent straining and stress.
- C. The bowel will be cleansed before surgery with a laxative, enema, or whole-gut lavage.
- D. Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics will be prescribed to be given preoperatively.
- E. A member of the surgical team will discuss the risk of postoperative sexual dysfunction.
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: An abdominal-perineal resection removes the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus. As a result the client will have a permanent colostomy. The enterostomal nurse will identify and mark an appropriate stoma location after considering the client’s skinfolds, clothing preferences, and the level of the colostomy. The bowel is cleansed preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed to be given preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Postoperatively the client with an abdominal-perineal resection is at risk for sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence as a result of nerve damage. This needs to be discussed with the client prior to surgery by the surgeon or a member of the surgical team.
The client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted into the intensive care department with frank gastric bleeding. Which priority intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Maintain a strict record of intake and output.
- B. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube and begin saline lavage.
- C. Assist the client with keeping a detailed calorie count.
- D. Provide a quiet environment to promote rest.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inserting an NG tube with saline lavage helps remove blood, assess bleeding severity, and stabilize the client with frank gastric bleeding. Intake/output monitoring, calorie counts, and rest are secondary to controlling active hemorrhage.
The nurse is preparing to administer amitriptyline 10 mg orally to the client diagnosed with IBS. The client asks, “Why am I receiving this? I don’t feel depressed.” Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. “The medication is working. People with chronic diseases typically also suffer from depression.”
- B. “People with IBS have difficulty returning to sleep after waking to the bathroom. It will help you get adequate rest.”
- C. “The anticholinergic side effects of the drug will help to prevent bowel irritability and constipation.”
- D. “Tricyclic antidepressants reduce abdominal pain by affecting the communication system from the bowel to the brain.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Not all clients with chronic diseases suffer from depression. The response does not address the primary reason for the use of a TCA such as amitriptyline (Elavil) in IBS. B. A common response to TCAs is sedation; however, this medication is not given for this reason. C. TCAs do have anticholinergic side effects and can cause (not prevent) constipation. Clients with IBS can have constipation or diarrhea. D. Evidence supports that TCAs can reduce abdominal pain, and this benefit is unrelated to whether or not the client is being treated for depression.
Which interventions should the nurse discuss regarding prevention of an acute exacerbation of diverticulosis? Select all that apply.
- A. Eat a low-fiber diet.
- B. Drink 2,500 mL of water daily.
- C. Avoid eating foods with seeds.
- D. Walk 30 minutes a day.
- E. Take an antacid every two (2) hours.
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: High fluid intake (2,500 mL), avoiding seeds, and exercise (walking) prevent constipation and reduce diverticulitis risk. Low-fiber diets worsen diverticulosis, and antacids are irrelevant.