GI NCLEX Questions

"A client with appendicitis is experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. An abdominal X-ray film reveals intraperitoneal air. The nurse should prepare the client for: a) colonoscopy. b) surgery. c) nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. d) barium enema."

"B) Surgery The client should be prepared for surgery because his signs and symptoms indicate bowel perforation. Appendicitis is the most common cause of bowel perforation in the United States. Because perforation can lead to peritonitis and sepsis, surgery wouldn't be delayed to perform other interventions, such as colonoscopy, NG tube insertion, or a barium enema. These procedures aren't necessary at this point."

"During the assessment of a patient with acute abdominal pain, the nurse should: a. Perform deep palpation before ascultation b. Obtain blood pressure and pulse rate to determine hypervolemic changes c. Ascultate bowel sounds because hyperactive bowel sounds suggest paralytic ileus d. Measure body temperature because an elevated temperature may indicate an inflammatory or infectious process"

"Correct answer: d Rationale: For the patient complaining of acute abdominal pain, the nurse should take vital signs immediately. Increased pulse and decreasing blood pressure (BP) are indicative of hypovolemia. An elevated temperature suggests an inflammatory or infectious process. Intake and output measurements provide essential information about the adequacy of vascular volume. Inspect the abdomen first and then auscultate bowel sounds. Palpation is performed next and should be gentle."

The client being seen in a physician's office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test? A. Fast for 8 hours before the test B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled. D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation

A. A barium swallow is an x-ray study that uses a substance called barium for contrast to highlight abnormalities in the GI tract. The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, depending on the physician instructions. Most oral medications also are withheld before the test. After the procedure the nurse must monitor for constipation, which can occur as a result of the presence of barium in the GI tract.

Which of the following complications is thought to be the most common cause of appendicitis? A. A fecalith B. Bowel kinking C. Internal bowel occlusion D. Abdominal bowel swelling

A. A fecalith is a fecal calculus, or stone, that occludes the lumen of the appendix and is the most common cause of appendicitis. Bowel wall swelling, kinking of the appendix, and external occlusion, not internal occlusion, of the bowel by adhesions can also be causes of appendicitis.

Which of the following diets is most commonly associated with colon cancer? A. Low-fiber, high fat B. Low-fat, high-fiber C. Low-protein, high-carbohydrate D. Low carbohydrate, high protein

A. A low-fiber, high-fat diet reduced motility and increases the chance of constipation. The metabolic end products of this type of diet are carcinogenic. A low-fat, high-fiber diet is recommended to prevent colon cancer.

A client has just had surgery for colon cancer. Which of the following disorders might the client develop? A. Peritonitis B. Diverticulosis C. Partial bowel obstruction D. Complete bowel obstruction

A. Bowel spillage could occur during surgery, resulting in peritonitis. Complete or partial bowel obstruction may occur before bowel resection. Diverticulosis doesn't result from surgery or colon cancer.

Which of the following symptoms indicated diverticulosis? A. No symptoms exist B. Change in bowel habits C. Anorexia with low-grade fever D. Episodic, dull, or steady midabdominal pain

A. Diverticulosis is an asymptomatic condition. The other choices are signs and symptoms of diverticulitis.

Which of the following types of diets is implicated in the development of diverticulosis? A. Low-fiber diet B. High-fiber diet C. High-protein diet D. Low-carbohydrate diet

A. Low-fiber diets have been implicated in the development of diverticula because these diets decrease the bulk in the stool and predispose the person to the development of constipation. A high-fiber diet is recommended to help prevent diverticulosis. A high-protein or low-carbohydrate diet has no effect on the development of diverticulosis.

Which of the following aspects is the priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis? A. Fluid and electrolyte balance B. Gastric irrigation C. Pain management D. Psychosocial issues

A. Peritonitis can advance to shock and circulatory failure, so fluid and electrolyte balance is the priority focus of nursing management. Gastric irrigation may be needed periodically to ensure patency of the nasogastric tube. Although pain management is important for comfort and psychosocial care will address concerns such as anxiety, focusing on fluid and electrolyte imbalance will maintain hemodynamic stability.

Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery for which of the following reasons? A. Reducing the size of the tumor B. Eliminating the malignant cells C. Curing the cancer D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery

A. Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to be resected. Radiation therapy isn't curative, can't eliminate the malignant cells (though it helps define tumor margins), can could slow postoperative healing.

The client with a new colostomy is concerned about the odor from the stool in the ostomy drainage bag. The nurse teaches the client to include which of the following foods in the diet to reduce odor? A. Yogurt B. Broccoli C. Cucumbers D. Eggs

A. The client should be taught to include deodorizing foods in the diet, such a beet greens, parsley, buttermilk, and yogurt. Spinach also reduces odor but is a gas forming food as well. Broccoli, cucumbers, and eggs are gas forming foods.

The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine whether the problem is currently active, the nurse would assess the client for which of the following most frequent symptom(s) of duodenal ulcer? A. Pain that is relieved by food intake B. Pain that radiated down the right arm C. N/V D. Weight loss

A. The most frequent symptom of duodenal ulcer is pain that is relieved by food intake. These clients generally describe the pain as burning, heavy, sharp, or "hungry" pain that often localizes in the midepigastric area. The client with duodenal ulcer usually does not experience weight loss or N/V. These symptoms are usually more typical in the client with a gastric ulcer.

The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is: A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back. B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin. C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus. D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.

A. The pain associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and unrelenting, is located in the epigastric region, and radiates to the back.

The nurse instructs the ileostomy client to do which of the following as a part of essential care of the stoma? A. Cleanse the peristomal skin meticulously B. Take in high-fiber foods such as nuts C. Massage the area below the stoma D. Limit fluid intake to prevent diarrhea.

A. The peristomal skin must receive meticulous cleansing because the ileostomy drainage has more enzymes and is more caustic to the skin than colostomy drainage. Foods such as nuts and those with seeds will pass through the ileostomy. The client should be taught that these foods will remain undigested. The area below the ileostomy may be massaged if needed if the ileostomy becomes blocked by high fiber foods. Fluid intake should be maintained to at least six to eight glasses of water per day to prevent dehydration.

The nurse is teaching the client how to perform a colostomy irrigation. To enhance the effectiveness of the irrigation and fecal returns, what measure should the nurse instruct the client to do? A. Increase fluid intake B. Reduce the amount of irrigation solution C. Perform the irrigation in the evening D. Place heat on the abdomen

A. To enhance effectiveness of the irrigation and fecal returns, the client is instructed to increase fluid intake and prevent constipation.

When teaching a community group about measures to prevent colon cancer, which instruction should the nurse include? A. "Limit fat intake to 20% to 25% of your total daily calories." B. "Include 15 to 20 grams of fiber into your daily diet." C. "Get an annual rectal examination after age 35." D. "Undergo sigmoidoscopy annually after age 50."

A. To help prevent colon cancer, fats should account for no more than 20% to 25% of total daily calories and the diet should include 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day. A digital rectal examination isn't recommended as a stand-alone test for colorectal cancer. For colorectal cancer screening, the American Cancer society advises clients over age 50 to have a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, yearly fecal occult blood tests, yearly fecal occult blood tests PLUS a flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, a double-contrast barium enema every 5 years, or a colonoscopy every 10 years.

A client has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted for tube feedings. Before starting a continuous feeding, the nurse should place the client in which position? A. Semi-Fowlers B. Supine C. Reverse Trendelenburg D. High Fowler's

A. To prevent aspiration of stomach contents, the nurse should place the client in semi-Fowler's position. High Fowler's position isn't necessary and may not be tolerated as well as semi-Fowler's.

"The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department with complaints of acute abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. When the nurse palpates the patient's left lower abdominal quadrant, the patient complains of pain in the right lower quadrant. The nurse will document this as which of the following diagnostic signs of appendicitis? "a. Rovsing sign b. referred pain c. Chvostek's sign d. rebound tenderness correct answer: A"

Answer A In patients with suspected appendicitis, Rovsing sign may be elicited by palpation of the left lower quadrant, causing pain to be felt in the right lower quadrant.

"When preparing a male client, age 51, for surgery to treat appendicitis, the nurse formulates a nursing diagnosis of Risk for infection related to inflammation, perforation, and surgery. What is the rationale for choosing this nursing diagnosis? "a. Obstruction of the appendix may increase venous drainage and cause the appendix to rupture. b. Obstruction of the appendix reduces arterial flow, leading to ischemia, inflammation, and rupture of the appendix. c. The appendix may develop gangrene and rupture, especially in a middle-aged client. d. Infection of the appendix diminishes necrotic arterial blood flow and increases venous drainage."

Answer B. A client with appendicitis is at risk for infection related to inflammation, perforation, and surgery because obstruction of the appendix causes mucus fluid to build up, increasing pressure in the appendix and compressing venous outflow drainage. The pressure continues to rise with venous obstruction; arterial blood flow then decreases, leading to ischemia from lack of perfusion. Inflammation and bacterial growth follow, and swelling continues to raise pressure within the appendix, resulting in gangrene and rupture. Geriatric, not middle-aged, clients are especially susceptible to appendix rupture.

The doctor ordered for a complete blood count. After the test, Nurse Ray received the result from the laboratory. Which laboratory values will confirm the diagnosis of appendicitis? a. RBC 5.5 x 106/mm3 b. Hct 44 % c. WBC 13, 000/mm3 d. Hgb 15 g/dL"

Answer C "Rationale: Increase in WBC counts is suggestive of appendicitis because of bacterial invasion and inflammation. Normal WBC count is 5, 000 - 10, 000/mm3. Other options are normal values."

A client with complaints of right lower quadrant pain is admitted to the emergency department. Blood specimens are drawn and sent to the laboratory. Which laboratory finding should be reported to the physician immediately? "a) Hematocrit 42% b) Serum potassium 4.2 mEq/L c) Serum sodium 135 mEq/L d) White blood cell (WBC) count 22.8/mm3.

Answer: D "D) White blood cell (WBC) count 22.8/mm3 The nurse should report the elevated WBC count. This finding, which is a sign of infection, indicates that the client's appendix might have ruptured. Hematocrit of 42%, serum potassium of 4.2 mEq/L, and serum sodium of 135 mEq/L are within normal limits. Alterations in these levels don't indicate appendicitis."

Which of the following tests should be administered to a client suspected of having diverticulosis? A. Abdominal ultrasound B. Barium enema C. Barium swallow D. Gastroscopy

B. A barium enema will cause diverticula to fill with barium and be easily seen on x-ray. An abdominal US can tell more about structures, such as the gallbladder, liver, and spleen, than the intestine. A barium swallow and gastroscopy view upper GI structures.

The nurse evaluates the client's stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician? A. The stoma is slightly edematous B. The stoma is dark red to purple C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood D. The stoma does not expel stool

B. A dark red to purple stoma indicates inadequate blood supply. Mild edema and slight oozing of blood are normal in the early post-op period. The colostomy would typically not begin functioning until 2-4 days after surgery.

Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit? A. Abdominal distention B. Abdominal pain and rigidity C. Hyperactive bowel sounds D. Right upper quadrant pain

B. Abdominal pain causing rigidity of the abdominal muscles is characteristic of peritonitis. Abdominal distention may occur as a late sign but not early on. Bowel sounds may be normal or decreased but not increased. Right upper quadrant pain is chatacteristic of cholecystitis or hepatitis.

Care for the postoperative client after gastric resection should focus on which of the following problems? A. Body image B. Nutritional needs C. Skin care D. Spiritual needs

B. After gastric resection, a client may require total parenteral nutrition or jejunostomy tube feedings to maintain adequate nutritional status.

During the first few days of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, which of the following aspects should be the first priority of client care? A. Body image B. Ostomy care C. Sexual concerns D. Skin care

B. Although all of these are concerns the nurse should address, being able to safely manage the ostomy is crucial for the client before discharge.

A nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and the bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention? A. Administer dilaudid B. Notify the physician C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on a warm setting to the client's abdomen.

B. Based on the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and should notify the physician. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the physician probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.

Which of the following definitions best describes diverticulosis? A. An inflamed outpouching of the intestine B. A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine C. The partial impairment of the forward flow of intestinal contents D. An abnormal protrusion of an organ through the structure that usually holds it.

B. Diverticulosis involves a noninflamed outpouching of the intestine. Diverticulitis involves an inflamed outpouching. The partial impairment of forward flow of the intestine is an obstruction; abnormal protrusion of an organ is a hernia.

An enema is prescribed for a client with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A. Prepare 750 ml of irrigating solution warmed to 100*F B. Question the physician about the order C. Provide privacy and explain the procedure to the client D. Assist the client to left lateral Sim's position

B. Enemas are contraindicated in an acute abdominal condition of unknown origin as well as after recent colon or rectal surgery or myocardial infarction. The other answers are correct only when enema administration is appropriate.

Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit? A. A change in appetite B. A change in bowel habits C. An increase in body weight D. An increase in body temperature

B. The most common complaint of the client with colon cancer is a change in bowel habits. The client may have anorexia, secondary abdominal distention, or weight loss. Fever isn't associated with colon cancer.

The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse used which solution for irrigation? A. Distilled water B. Tap water C. Sterile water D. Lactated Ringer's

B. Warm tap water or saline solution is used to irrigate a colostomy. If the tap water is not suitable for drinking, then bottled water should be used.

an 18 yr old is admitted with an acute onset of right lower quadrant pain. Appendicitis is suspected. For which clinical indicator should the nurse assess the client to determine if the pain is secondary to appendicitis A) urinary retention B) gastric hyperacidity C) rebound tenderness D) increased lower bowel motility

C) rebound tenderness is a classic subjective sign of appendicitis

Medical management of the client with diverticulitis should include which of the following treatments? A. Reduced fluid intake B. Increased fiber in diet C. Administration of antibiotics D. Exercises to increase intra-abdominal pressur

C. Antibiotics are used to reduce the inflammation. The client isn't typically isn't allowed anything orally until the acute episode subsides. Parenteral fluids are given until the client feels better; then it's recommended that the client drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day and gradually increase fiber in the diet to improve intestinal motility. During the acute phase, activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure should be avoided to decrease pain and the chance of intestinal obstruction.

The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stools less watery? A. Pasta B. Boiled rice C. Bran D. Low-fat cheese

C. Foods that help thicken the stool of the client with an ileostomy include pasta, boiled rice, and low-fat cheese. Bran is high in dietary fiber and thus will increase output of watery stool by increasing propulsion through the bowel. Ileostomy output is liquid. Addition or elimination of various foods can help thicken or loosen this liquid drainage.

The nurse is performing a colostomy irrigation on a client. During the irrigation, a client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action? A. Notify the physician B. Increase the height of the irrigation C. Stop the irrigation temporarily. D. Medicate with dilaudid and resume the irrigation

C. If cramping occurs during a colostomy irrigation, the irrigation flow is stopped temporarily and the client is allowed to rest. Cramping may occur from an infusion that is too rapid or is causing too much pressure. Increasing the height of the irrigation will cause further discomfort. The physician does not need to be notified. Medicating the client for pain is not the most appropriate action (damn).

Which of the following conditions is most likely to directly cause peritonitis? A. Cholelithiasis B. Gastritis C. Perforated ulcer D. Incarcerated hernia

C. The most common cause of peritonitis is a perforated ulcer, which can pour contaminates into the peritoneal cavity, causing inflammation and infection within the cavity. The other conditions don't by themselves cause peritonitis. However, if cholelithiasis leads to rupture of the gallbladder, gastritis leads to erosion of the stomach wall, or an incarcerated hernia leads to rupture of the intestines, peritonitis may develop.

The nurse is monitoring a client diagnosed with appendicitis who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and begns to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which is the appropriate nursing intervention? "1. Notify the Physician 2. Administer the prescribed pain medication 3. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible 4. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on warm setting to the client's abdomen

CORRECT ANSWER: 1" "1. Based on the assessment information the nurse should suspect peritonitis, a complication that is associated with appendicitis, and notify the physician. 2. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention 3. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of practice of an RN. 4. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a patient suspected of having peritonitis because of the risk of rupture."

which statement made by the client who is postoperative abdominal surgery indicates the discharge teaching has been effective? 1. "i will take my temp each week and report any elevation." 2. "i will not need any pain meds when i go home." 3. i will take all of my antibiotics until they are gone." 4. i will not take a shower until my three month check up.

Correct 3 1. the client should check the temp twice a day. 2. it is not realistic to expect the client to experience no pain after surgery. 3 (CORRECT): this statement about taking all the antibiotics ordered indicates the teaching is effective. 4. clients may shower after surgery, but not taking a tub bath for three months after surgery is too long a time.

A client complains of severe pain in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. To assist with pain relief, the nurse should take which of the following actions? "1. Encourage the client to change positions frequently in bed 2. Massage the right lower quadrant fo the abdomen 3. Apply warmth to the abdomen with a heating pad 4. Use comfort measures and pillows to position the client"

Correct 4 "1. ""Encourage the client..."" - unnecesary movement will increase pain and should be avoided 2. ""Massage the lower..."" - if appendicitis is suspected, massorge or palpation should never be performed as thes actions may cause the appendix to rupture 3. ""Apply warmth..."" - if pain is casused by appendicitis, increased circulation from the heat may cause appendix to rupture 4. ""Use comfort measures..."" - CORRECT: non-pharmacological methods of pain relief"

"A client with acute appendicitis develops a fever, tachycardia, and hypotension. Based on these assessment findings, the nurse should further assess the client for which of the following complications?... "1. Deficient fluid volume. 2. Intestinal obstruction. 3. Bowel ischemia. 4. Peritonitis

Correct 4 "Complications of acute appendicitis are perforation, peritonitis, and abscess development. Signs of the development of peritonitis include abdominal pain and distention, tachycardia, tachypnea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Because peritonitis can cause hypovolemic shock, hypotension can develop. Deficient fluid volume would not cause a fever. Intestinal obstruction would cause abdominal distention, diminished or absent bowel sounds, and abdominal pain. Bowel ischemia has signs and symptoms similar to those found with intestinal obstruction."

"When evaluating a male client for complications of acute pancreatitis, the nurse would observe for: "a. increased intracranial pressure. b. decreased urine output. c. bradycardia. d. hypertension."

Correct Answer: B Rationale: Acute pancreatitis can cause decreased urine output, which results from the renal failure that sometimes accompanies this condition. Intracranial pressure neither increases nor decreases in a client with pancreatitis. Tachycardia, not bradycardia, usually is associated with pulmonary or hypovolemic complications of pancreatitis. Hypotension can be caused by a hypovolemic complication, but hypertension usually isn't related to acute pancreatitis."

Which of the following position should the client with appendicitis assume to relieve pain ? A. Prone B. Sitting C. Supine D. Lying with legs drawn up

Correct Answer: D Lying still with legs drawn up towards chest helps relive tension on the abdominal muscle, which helps to reduce the amount of discomfort felt. Lying flat or sitting may increase the amount of pain experienced

A nurse is making a home health visit and finds the client experiencing right lower quadrant abdominal pain, which has decreased in intensity over the last day. The client also has a rigid abdomen and a temperature of 103.6 F. The nurse should intervene by: a) administer Tylenol (acetaminophen) for the elevated temperature b) advising the client to increase oral fluids c) asking the client when she last had a bowel movement d) notifying the physician

Correct D D. The client symptoms indicate appendicitis which requires immediate attention

"During the assessment of a patient with acute abdominal pain, the nurse should: a. perform deep palpation before auscultation b. obtain blood pressure and pulse rate to determine hypervolemic changes c. auscultate bowel sounds because hyperactive bowel sounds suggest paralytic ileus d. measure body temperature because an elevated temperature may indicate an inflammatory or infectious process.

Correct D Rationale: for the patient complaining of acute abdominal pain, nurse should take vital signs immediately. Increased pulse and decreasing blood pressure are indicative of hypovolemia. An elevated temperature suggests an inflammatory infectious process. Intake and output measurements provide essential information about the adequate of vascular volume. Inspect abdomen first and then auscultate bowel sounds. Palpation is performed next and should be gentle.

The nurse would increase the comfort of the patient with appendicitis by: a. Having the patient lie prone b. Flexing the patient's right knee c. Sitting the patient upright in a chair d. Turning the patient onto his or her left side

Correct answer: B" The patient with appendicitis usually prefers to lie still, often with the right leg flexed to decrease pain.

"A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location? a) Left lower quadrant b) Left upper quadrant c) Right upper quadrant d) Right lower quadrant

Correct answer: d) Right lower quadrant" Rationale: The pain of acute appendicitis localizes in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) at McBurney's point, an area midway between the umbilicus and the right iliac crest. Often, the pain is worse when manual pressure near the region is suddenly released, a condition called rebound tenderness.

"The health care team is assessing a patient for acute pancreatitis after he presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. Which laboratory value is the best diagnostic indicator of acute pancreatitis? A. Gastric pH B. Blood glucose C. Serum amylase D. Serum potassium

Correct: C Serum amylase levels indicate pancreatic function, and they are used to diagnose acute pancreatitis. Blood glucose, gastric pH, and potassium levels are not direct indicators of acute pancreatic dysfunction.

Which client requires immediate nursing intervention? "The client who: a) complains of epigastric pain after eating. b) complains of anorexia and periumbilical pain. c) presents with ribbonlike stools. d) presents with a rigid, boardlike abdomen.

Correct: D A rigid, boardlike abdomen is a sign of peritonitis, a possibly life-threatening condition. Epigastric pain occurring 90 minutes to 3 hours after eating indicates a duodenal ulcer. Anorexia and periumbilical pain are characteristic of appendicitis. Risk of rupture is minimal within the first 24 hours, but increases significantly after 48 hours. A client with a large-bowel obstruction may have ribbonlike stools.

The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred? A. Sunken and hidden stoma B. Dark- and bluish-colored stoma C. Narrowed and flattened stoma D. Protruding stoma

D. A prolapsed stoma is one which the bowel protruded through the stoma. A stoma retraction is characterized by sinking of the stoma. Ischemia of the stoma would be associated with dusky or bluish color. A stoma with a narrowed opening at the level of the skin or fascia is said to be stenosed.

Which of the following laboratory results would be expected in a client with peritonitis? A. Partial thromboplastin time above 100 seconds B. Hemoglobin level below 10 mg/dL C. Potassium level above 5.5 mEq/L D. White blood cell count above 15,000

D. Because of infection, the client's WBC count will be elevated. A hemoglobin level below 10 mg/dl may occur from hemorrhage. A PT time longer than 100 seconds may suggest disseminated intravascular coagulation, a serious complication of septic shock. A potassium level above 5.5 mEq/L may indicate renal failure.

Colon cancer is most closely associated with which of the following conditions? A. Appendicitis B. Hemorrhoids C. Hiatal hernia D. Ulcerative colitis

D. Chronic ulcerative colitis, granulomas, and familial polposis seem to increase a person's chance of developing colon cancer. The other conditions listed have no known effect on colon cancer risk.

When teaching an elderly client how to prevent constipation, which of the following instructions should the nurse include? A. "Drink 6 glasses of fluid each day." B. "Avoid grain products and nuts." C. "Add at least 4 grams of brain to your cereal each morning." D. "Be sure to get regular exercise."

D. Exercise helps prevent constipation. Fluids and dietary fiber promote normal bowel function. The client should drink eight to ten glasses of fluid each day. Although adding bran to cereal helps prevent constipation by increasing dietary fiber, the client should start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount as tolerated to a maximum of 2 grams a day.

A client presents to the emergency room, reporting that he has been vomiting every 30 to 40 minutes for the past 8 hours. Frequent vomiting puts him at risk for which of the following? A. Metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia B. Metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia C. Metabolic alkalosis with hyperkalemia D. Metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia

D. Gastric acid contains large amounts of potassium, chloride, and hydrogen ions. Excessive loss of these substances, such as from vomiting, can lead to metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia.

The nurse is reviewing the physician's orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client's chart? A. NPO status B. Insert a nasogastric tube C. An anticholinergic medication D. Morphine for pain

D. Meperidine (Demerol) rather than morphine is the medication of choice because morphine can cause spasm in the sphincter of Oddi.

Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer? A. Abdominal CT scan B. Abdominal x-ray C. Colonoscopy D. Fecal occult blood test

D. Surface blood vessels of polyps and cancers are fragile and often bleed with the passage of stools. Abdominal x-ray and CT scan can help establish tumor size and metastasis. A colonoscopy can help locate a tumor as well as polyps, which can be removed before they become malignant.

The client who has undergone creation of a colostomy has a nursing diagnosis of Disturbed body image. The nurse would evaluate that the client is making the most significant progress toward identified goals if the client: A. Watches the nurse empty the colostomy bag B. Looks at the ostomy site C. Reads the ostomy product literature D. Practices cutting the ostomy appliance

D. The client is expected to have a body image disturbance after colostomy. The client progresses through normal grieving stages to adjust to this change. The client demonstrates the greatest deal of acceptance when the client participates in the actual colostomy care. Each of the incorrect options represents an interest in colostomy care but is a passive activity. The correct option shows the client is participating in self-care.

Which of the following therapies is not included in the medical management of a client with peritonitis? A. Broad-spectrum antibiotics B. Electrolyte replacement C. I.V. fluids D. Regular diet

D. The client with peritonitis usually isn't allowed anything orally until the source of peritonitis is confirmed and treated. The client also requires broad-spectrum antibiotics to combat the infection. I.V. fluids are given to maintain hydration and hemodynamic stability and to replace electrolytes.

Which of the following nursing interventions should be implemented to manage a client with appendicitis? A. Assessing for pain B. Encouraging oral intake of clear fluids C. Providing discharge teaching D. Assessing for symptoms of peritonitis

D. The focus of care is to assess for peritonitis, or inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis is most commonly caused by appendix rupture and invasion of bacteria, which could be lethal. The client with appendicitis will have pain that should be controlled with analgesia. The nurse should discourage oral intake in preparation of surgery. Discharge teaching is important; however, in the acute phase, management should focus on minimizing preoperative complications and recognizing when such may be occurring.

During the assessment of a client's mouth, the nurse notes the absence of saliva. The client is also complaining of pain near the area of the ear. The client has been NPO for several days because of the insertion of a NG tube. Based on these findings, the nurse suspects that the client is developing which of the following mouth conditions? A. Stomatitis B. Oral candidiasis C. Parotitis D. Gingivitis

D. The lack of saliva, pain near the area of the ear, and the prolonged NPO status of the client should lead the nurse to suspect the development of parotitis, or inflammation of the parotid gland. Parotitis usually develops in cases of dehydration combined with poor oral hygiene or when clients have been NPO for an extended period. Preventative measures include the use of sugarless hard candy or gum to stimulate saliva production, adequate hydration, and frequent mouth care. Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) produces excessive salivation and a sore mouth.

Which of the following terms best describes the pain associated with appendicitis? A. Aching B. Fleeting C. Intermittent D. Steady

D. The pain begins in the epigastrium or periumbilical region, then shifts to the right lower quadrant and becomes steady. The pain may be moderate to severe.

Which of the following mechanisms can facilitate the development of diverticulosis into diverticulitis? A. Treating constipation with chronic laxative use, leading to dependence on laxatives B. Chronic constipation causing an obstruction, reducing forward flow of intestinal contents C. Herniation of the intestinal mucosa, rupturing the wall of the intestine D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum, predisposing the area to bacteria invasion.

D. Undigested food can block the diverticulum, decreasing blood supply to the area and predisposing the area to invasion of bacteria. Chronic laxative use is a common problem in elderly clients, but it doesn't cause diverticulitis. Chronic constipation can cause an obstruction—not diverticulitis. Herniation of the intestinal mucosa causes an intestinal perforation.

"The client diagnosed with appendicitis has undergone an appendectomy. At two hours postoperative, the nurse takes the vital signs and notes T 102.6 F, P 132, R 26, and BP 92/46. Which interventions should the nurse implement? List in order of priority. 1. Increase the IV rate. 2. Notify the health care provider. 3. Elevate the foot of the bed. 4. Check the abdominal dressing. 5. Determine if the IV antibiotics have been administered.

Order of priority: 1, 3, 4, 5, 2." "1. The nurse should increase the IV rate to maintain the circulatory system function until further orders can be obtained. 3. The foot of the bed should be elevated to help treat shock, the symptoms of which include elevated pulse and decreased BP. Those signs and an elevated temperature indicate an infection may be present and the client could be developing septicemia. 4. The dressing should be assessed to determine if bleeding is occurring. 5. The nurse should administer any IV antibiotics ordered after addressing hypovolemia. The nurse will need this information when reporting to the HCP. 2. The HCP should be notified when the nurse has the needed information."