Chapter 49 Oral Cavity and Esophageal Problems, Iggy 56/51, Chapter 50: Concepts of Care of Pts with stomach disorders

1. A nurse prepares to administer 12 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy intravenously to a client who has colon cancer. The client weights 132 lb. How many milligrams should the nurse administer? (Record your answer using a whole number.) _____ mg

ANS: 720 mg 132 lb = 60 kg. 60 kg 12 mg/kg = 720 mg.

A client is admitted with a large oral tumor. What assessment by the nurse takes priority? a. Airway b. Breathing c. Circulation d. Nutrition

ANS: A Airway always takes priority. Airway must be assessed first and any problems managed if present.

15. A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy intravenously for the treatment of colon cancer. Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to contact the health care provider? a. White blood cell (WBC) count of 1500/mm3 b. Fatigue c. Nausea and diarrhea d. Mucositis and oral ulcers

ANS: A Common side effects of 5-FU include fatigue, leukopenia, diarrhea, mucositis and mouth ulcers, and peripheral neuropathy. However, the clients WBC count is very low (normal range is 5000 to 10,000/mm3), so the provider should be notified. He or she may want to delay chemotherapy by a day or two. Certainly the client is at high risk for infection. The other assessment findings are consistent with common side effects of 5-FU that would not need to be reported immediately.

2. A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed alosetron (Lotronex). Which assessment question should the nurse ask this client? a. Have you been experiencing any constipation? b. Are you eating a diet high in fiber and fluids? c. Do you have a history of high blood pressure? d. What vitamins and supplements are you taking?

ANS: A Ischemic colitis is a life-threatening complication of alosetron. The nurse should assess the client for constipation. The other questions do not identify complications related to alosetron.

The nurse notes that the primary health care provider documented the presence of mucosal erythroplasia in a client. What does the nurse understand that this most likely means for this client? a. Early sign of oral cancer b. Fungal mouth infection c. Inflammation of the gums d. Obvious oral tumor

ANS: A Mucosal erythroplasia is the earliest sign of oral cancer. It is not a fungal infection, inflammation of the gums, or an obvious tumor.

3. After teaching a client who has a femoral hernia, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching related to the proper use of a truss? a. I will put on the truss before I go to bed each night. b. Ill put some powder under the truss to avoid skin irritation. c. The truss will help my hernia because I cant have surgery. d. If I have abdominal pain, Ill let my health care provider know right away.

ANS: A The client should be instructed to apply the truss before arising, not before going to bed at night. The other statements show an accurate understanding of using a truss.

11. A nurse cares for a client who states, My husband is repulsed by my colostomy and refuses to be intimate with me. How should the nurse respond? a. Lets talk to the ostomy nurse to help you and your husband work through this. b. You could try to wear longer lingerie that will better hide the ostomy appliance. c. You should empty the pouch first so it will be less noticeable for your husband. d. If you are not careful, you can hurt the stoma if you engage in sexual activity.

ANS: A The nurse should collaborate with the ostomy nurse to help the client and her husband work through intimacy issues. The nurse should not minimize the clients concern about her husband with ways to hide the ostomy. The client will not hurt the stoma by engaging in sexual activity.

20. A nurse cares for a client who has a new colostomy. Which action should the nurse take? a. Empty the pouch frequently to remove excess gas collection. b. Change the ostomy pouch and wafer every morning. c. Allow the pouch to completely fill with stool prior to emptying it. d. Use surgical tape to secure the pouch and prevent leakage.

ANS: A The nurse should empty the new ostomy pouch frequently because of excess gas collection, and empty the pouch when it is one-third to one-half full of stool. The ostomy pouch does not need to be changed every morning. Ostomy wafers with paste should be used to secure and seal the ostomy appliance; surgical tape should not be used.

16. A nurse cares for a client who had a colostomy placed in the ascending colon 2 weeks ago. The client states, The stool in my pouch is still liquid. How should the nurse respond? a. The stool will always be liquid with this type of colostomy. b. Eating additional fiber will bulk up your stool and decrease diarrhea. c. Your stool will become firmer over the next couple of weeks. d. This is abnormal. I will contact your health care provider.

ANS: A The stool from an ascending colostomy can be expected to remain liquid because little large bowel is available to reabsorb the liquid from the stool. This finding is not abnormal. Liquid stool from an ascending colostomy will not become firmer with the addition of fiber to the clients diet or with the passage of time.

The nurse is teaching a client about risk factors for esophageal cancer. Which risk factors would the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) a. Alcohol intake b. Obesity c. Smoking d. Lack of fresh fruits and vegetables e. Untreated GERD f. Use of NSAIDs

ANS: A, B, C, D, E All of these factors increase the risk of esophageal cancer except for the use of NSAIDs. Untreated GERD causes damage to esophageal tissue which may develop into Barrett esophagus, or precancerous cells.

The nurse is teaching a client about the risk of uncontrolled or untreated the client's gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What complication(s) may occur if the GERD is not successfully managed? (Select all that apply.) a. Asthma b. Laryngitis c. Dental caries d. Cardiac disease e. Cancer

ANS: A, B, C, D, E Any of these complications may occur in clients who have uncontrolled or untreated GERD

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with probable gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What assessment finding(s) would the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.) a. Dyspepsia b. Regurgitation c. Belching d. Coughing e. Chest discomfort f. Dysphagia

ANS: A, B, C, D, E, F All of these signs and symptoms are commonly seen in clients who have GERD.

4. A nurse plans care for a client who is recovering from an inguinal hernia repair. Which interventions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Encouraging ambulation three times a day b. Encouraging normal urination c. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing d. Providing ice bags and scrotal support e. Forcibly reducing the hernia

ANS: A, B, D Postoperative care for clients with an inguinal hernia includes all general postoperative care except coughing. The nurse should promote lung expansion by encouraging deep breathing and ambulation. The nurse should encourage normal urination, including allowing the client to stand, and should provide scrotal support and ice bags to prevent swelling. A hernia should never be forcibly reduced, and this procedure is not part of postoperative care.

7. A nurse plans care for a client who has chronic diarrhea. Which actions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Using premoistened disposable wipes for perineal care b. Turning the client from right to left every 2 hours c. Using an antibacterial soap to clean after each stool d. Applying a barrier cream to the skin after cleaning e. Keeping broken skin areas open to air to promote healing

ANS: A, B, D The nurse should use premoistened disposable wipes instead of toilet paper for perineal care, or mild soap and warm water after each stool. Antibacterial soap would be too abrasive and damage good bacteria on the skin. The nurse should apply a thin layer of a medicated protective barrier after cleaning the skin. The client should be re-positioned frequently so that he or she is kept off the affected area, and open skin areas should be covered with DuoDerm or Tegaderm occlusive dressing to promote rapid healing.

3. A nurse assesses a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which questions should the nurse include in this clients assessment? (Select all that apply.) a. Which food types cause an exacerbation of symptoms? b. Where is your pain and what does it feel like? c. Have you lost a significant amount of weight lately? d. Are your stools soft, watery, and black in color? e. Do you experience nausea associated with defecation?

ANS: A, B, E The nurse should ask the client about factors that may cause exacerbations of symptoms, including food, stress, and anxiety. The nurse should also assess the location, intensity, and quality of the clients pain, and nausea associated with defecation or meals. Clients who have IBS do not usually lose weight and stools are not black in color.

The nurse is caring for a client with sialadenitis. What comfort measures are appropriate for this client? (Select all that apply.) a. Applying warm compresses b. Applying ice to salivary glands c. Offering fluids every hour d. Providing lemon-glycerin swabs e. Reminding the patient to avoid speaking

ANS: A, C Warm compresses and fluids can help promote comfort for this client. Application of ice or lemon-glycerin swabs would not be used. Speaking has no effect on this condition.

A nurse knows that job-related risks for developing oral cancer include which occupations? (Select all that apply.) a. Coal miner b. Electrician c. Metal worker d. Plumber e. Textile worker

ANS: A, C, D, E The occupations of coal mining, metal working, plumbing, and textile work produce exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known carcinogens. Electricians do not have this risk.

5. A nurse cares for a client who has been diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. Which assessment findings should the nurse correlate with this diagnosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L b. Loss of 15 pounds without dieting c. Abdominal pain in upper quadrants d. Low-pitched bowel sounds e. Serum sodium of 121 mEq/L

ANS: A, C, E Small bowel obstructions often lead to severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances. The client is hypokalemic (normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L) and hyponatremic (normal range is 136 to 145 mEq/L). Abdominal pain across the upper quadrants is associated with small bowel obstruction. Dramatic weight loss without dieting followed by bowel obstruction leads to the probable development of colon cancer. High-pitched sounds may be noted with small bowel obstructions.

1. A nurse inserts a nasogastric (NG) tube for an adult client who has a bowel obstruction. Which actions does the nurse perform correctly? (Select all that apply.) a. Performs hand hygiene and positions the client in high-Fowlers position, with pillows behind the head and shoulders b. Instructs the client to extend the neck against the pillow once the NG tube has reached the oropharynx c. Checks for correct placement by checking the pH of the fluid aspirated from the tube d. Secures the NG tube by taping it to the clients nose and pinning the end to the pillowcase e. Connects the NG tube to intermittent medium suction with an anti-reflux valve on the air vent

ANS: A, C, E The clients head should be flexed forward once the NG tube has reached the oropharynx. The NG tube should be secured to the clients gown, not to the pillowcase, because it could become dislodged easily. All the other actions are appropriate.

8. A nurse cares for a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess for proper placement of the tube every 4 hours. b. Flush the tube with water every hour to ensure patency. c. Secure the NG tube to the clients upper lip. d. Disconnect suction when auscultating bowel peristalsis. e. Monitor the clients skin around the tube site for irritation.

ANS: A, D, E The nurse should assess for proper placement, tube patency, and output every 4 hours. The nurse should also monitor the skin around the tube for irritation and secure the tube to the clients nose. When auscultating bowel sounds for peristalsis, the nurse should disconnect suction.

8. The nurse is caring for a client who just had a minimally invasive inguinal hernia repair. Which nursing actions would the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.) a. Apply ice to the surgical area for the first 24 hours after surgery. b. Encourage ambulation with assistance within the first few hours after surgery. c. Encourage deep breathing after surgery but teach the client to avoid coughing. d. Assess vital signs frequently for the first few hours after surgery. e. Teach the client to rest for several days after surgery when at home. f. Teach the client not to lift more than 10 lb (4.5 kg) until allowed by the surgeon.

ANS: A,B,C,D,E,F All of these nursing actions are appropriate for the client having MIS for inguinal hernia repair.

7. The nurse assists the wound care/ostomy nurse assess a client prior to ostomy surgery. Which assessments would the nurse complete before marking the placement for the ostomy? (Select all that apply.) a. Contour of the abdomen when standing b. Location of the client's belt line c. Contour of the abdomen when lying d. Location of abdominal muscles e. Contour of the abdomen when sitting

ANS: A,B,C,E Before marking the placement for the ostomy, the nurse would consider the contour of the abdomen in lying, sitting, and standing positions, the location of the belt line and possible location in the rectus muscle. The location of abdominal muscles is not considered.

6. The nurse is caring for a client who has perineal surgical wound. Which actions would the nurse take to promote comfort and wound healing? (Select all that apply.) a. Assist the client into a side-lying position. b. Use a rubber donut device when sitting up. c. Apply warm compresses three to four times a day. d. Instruct the client to wear boxer shorts. e. Place an absorbent dressing over the wound.

ANS: A,C,E The nurse would place an absorbent pad over the wound and apply warm compresses to the wound area. The nurse would also instruct the male client to wear jockey-type shorts for support rather than boxers, assume a side-lying position in bed, avoid sitting for long periods, and use foam pads or soft pillows whenever in a sitting position. The patient should avoid the use of air rings or rubber donut devices.

15. The nurse is caring for a client who is planning to have a laparoscopic colon resection for colorectal cancer tomorrow. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I should have less pain after this surgery compared to having a large incision." b. "I will probably be in the hospital for 3 to 4 days after surgery." c. "I will be able to walk around a little on the same day as the surgery." d. "I will be able to return to work in a week or two depending on how I do."

ANS: B All of these statements are correct about having minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery except that the hospital stay will likely be only 1 or 2 days.

6. The nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative paralytic ileus following abdominal surgery. What drug is appropriate to manage this nonmechanical bowel obstruction? a. Alosetron b. Alvimopan c. Amitiptyline d. Amlodipine

ANS: B Alvimopan is the appropriate drug to promote peristalsis for clients who have a paralytic ileus. The other drugs do not affect intestinal activity.

4. A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy that was done the day before. The nurse notes that the client has lower abdominal distention accompanied by dullness to percussion over the distended area. Which action should the nurse take? a. Assess the clients heart rate and blood pressure. b. Determine when the client last voided. c. Ask if the client is experiencing flatus. d. Auscultate all quadrants of the clients abdomen.

ANS: B Assessment findings indicate that the client may have an over-full bladder. In the immediate postoperative period, the client may experience difficulty voiding due to urinary retention. The nurse should assess when the client last voided. The clients vital signs may be checked after the nurse determines the clients last void. Asking about flatus and auscultating bowel sounds are not related to a hemorrhoidectomy.

1. After teaching a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which menu selection indicates that the client correctly understands the dietary teaching? a. Ham sandwich on white bread, cup of applesauce, glass of diet cola b. Broiled chicken with brown rice, steamed broccoli, glass of apple juice c. Grilled cheese sandwich, small banana, cup of hot tea with lemon d. Baked tilapia, fresh green beans, cup of coffee with low-fat milk

ANS: B Clients with IBS are advised to eat a high-fiber diet (30 to 40 g/day), with 8 to 10 cups of liquid daily. Chicken with brown rice, broccoli, and apple juice has the highest fiber content. They should avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other gastric irritants.

17. A nurse cares for a middle-aged male client who has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The client states, I have changed my diet and take bulk-forming laxatives, but my symptoms have not gotten better. I heard about a drug called Amitiza. Do you think it might help? How should the nurse respond? a. This drug is still in the research phase and is not available for public use yet. b. Unfortunately, lubiprostone is approved only for use in women. c. Lubiprostone works well. I will recommend this prescription to your provider. d. This drug should not be used with bulk-forming laxatives.

ANS: B Lubiprostone (Amitiza) is a new drug for IBS with constipation that works by simulating receptors in the intestines to increase fluid and promote bowel transit time. Lubiprostone is currently approved only for use in women. Trials with increased numbers of male participants are needed prior to Food and Drug Administration approval for men.

16. The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed lubiprostone for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). What health teaching will the nurse include about taking this drug? a. "This drug will make you very dry because it will decrease your diarrhea." b. "Be sure to take this drug with food and water to help manage constipation." c. "Avoid people who have infection as this drug will suppress your immune system." d. "Include high-fiber foods in your diet to help produce more solid stools."

ANS: B Lubiprostone is an oral laxative approved for women who have IBS with constipation (IBS-C). Water and food will also help to improve constipation. The drug is not used for clients who have diarrhea and does not affect the immune system. Although high-fiber foods are important for clients who have IBS, this client does not need fiber to help make stool more solid. Instead the fiber will help prevent constipation.

10. An emergency room nurse assesses a client after a motor vehicle crash and notes ecchymotic areas across the clients lower abdomen. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Measure the clients abdominal girth. b. Assess for abdominal guarding or rigidity. c. Check the clients hemoglobin and hematocrit. d. Obtain the clients complete health history.

ANS: B On noticing the ecchymotic areas, the nurse should check to see if abdominal guarding or rigidity is present, because this could indicate major organ injury. The nurse should then notify the provider. Measuring abdominal girth or obtaining a complete health history is not appropriate at this time. Laboratory test results can be checked after assessment for abdominal guarding or rigidity.

A nurse participates in a community screening event for oral cancer. What client is the highest priority for referral to a primary health care provider? a. Client who has poor oral hygiene practices. b. Client who smokes and drinks daily. c. Client who tans for an upcoming vacation. d. Client who occasionally uses illicit drugs.

ANS: B Smoking and alcohol exposure create a high risk for this client. Poor oral hygiene is not related to the etiology of cancer but may cause a tumor to go unnoticed. Tanning is a risk factor, but short-term exposure does not have the same risk as daily exposure to tobacco and alcohol.

14. A client is preparing to have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). What health teaching would the nurse include prior to the test? a. "This test will determine whether you have colorectal cancer." b. "You need to avoid red meat and NSAIDs for 48 hours before the test." c. "You don't need to have this test because you can have a virtual colonoscopy." d. "This test can determine your genetic risk for developing colorectal cancer."

ANS: B The FOBT is a screening test that is sometimes used to assess for microscopic lower GI bleeding. To help prevent false positive results, the client needs to avoid red meat, Vitamin C, and NSAIDs. The test is not diagnostic nor does it determine a client's genetic risk for colorectal cancer.

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with oral cancer. What is the nurse's priority for client care? a. Encourage fluids to liquefy the client's secretions. b. Place the client on Aspiration Precautions. c. Remind the client to use an incentive spirometer. d. Manage the client's pain and inflammation.

ANS: B The client who has oral cancer often has difficulty swallowing and is at risk for aspiration and possibly aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, the most important nursing action is to place the client on precautions to prevent aspiration. The nurse would implement the other actions but they are not as vital to promote client safety.

12. A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy. The client states, I need to have a bowel movement. Which action should the nurse take? a. Obtain a bedside commode for the client to use. b. Stay with the client while providing privacy. c. Make sure the call light is in reach to signal completion. d. Gather supplies to collect a stool sample for the laboratory.

ANS: B The first bowel movement after hemorrhoidectomy can be painful enough to induce syncope. The nurse should stay with the client. The nurse should instruct clients who are discharged the same day to have someone nearby when they have their first postoperative bowel movement. Making sure the call light is within reach is an important nursing action too, but it does not take priority over client safety. Obtaining a bedside commode and taking a stool sample are not needed in this situation.

8. A nurse cares for a client newly diagnosed with colon cancer who has become withdrawn from family members. Which action should the nurse take? a. Contact the provider and recommend a psychiatric consult for the client. b. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings about the diagnosis. c. Provide education about new treatment options with successful outcomes. d. Ask family and friends to visit the client and provide emotional support.

ANS: B The nurse recognizes that the client may be expressing feelings of grief. The nurse should encourage the client to verbalize feelings and identify fears to move the client through the phases of the grief process. A psychiatric consult is not appropriate for the client. The nurse should not brush aside the clients feelings with discussions related to cancer prognosis and treatment. The nurse should not assume that the client desires family or friends to visit or provide emotional support.

The nursing is teaching a client diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who is planning to have an endoscopic radiofrequency (Stretta) procedure. What preprocedure health teaching would the nurse include? (Select all that apply.) a. "You will need to be on a liquid diet for the first week after the procedure." b. "Avoid taking any NSAIDs like ibuprofen for 10 days before the procedure." c. "Contact the primary health care provider after the procedure if you have increased pain." d. "You will need a nasogastric tube for a few days after the procedure." e. "You will have a small incision in your stomach area that will have a wound closure.

ANS: B, C The client having this procedure does not have an incision and will not require a nasogastric tube (NGT). The client should avoid an NGT placement for at least a month after the procedure. A liquid diet is required for only 24 hours after the procedure and then the client should progress to include soft floods like custard and applesauce.

2. After teaching a client who is recovering from a colon resection, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statements by the client indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. I must change the ostomy appliance daily and as needed. b. I will use warm water and a soft washcloth to clean around the stoma. c. I might start bicycling and swimming again once my incision has healed. d. Cutting the flange will help it fit snugly around the stoma to avoid skin breakdown. e. I will check the stoma regularly to make sure that it stays a deep red color. f. I must avoid dairy products to reduce gas and odor in the pouch.

ANS: B, C, D The ostomy appliance should be changed as needed when the adhesive begins to decrease, placing the appliance at risk of leaking. Changing the appliance daily can cause skin breakdown as the adhesive will still be secured to the clients skin. The client should avoid using soap to clean around the stoma because it might prevent effective adhesion of the ostomy appliance. The client should use warm water and a soft washcloth instead. The tissue of the stoma is very fragile, and scant bleeding may occur when the stoma is cleaned. The flange should be cut to fit snugly around the stoma to reduce contact between excretions and the clients skin. Exercise (other than some contact sports) is important for clients with an ostomy. The stoma should remain a soft pink color. A deep red or purple hue indicates ischemia and should be reported to the surgeon right away. Yogurt and buttermilk can help reduce gas in the pouch, so the client need not avoid dairy products.

The nurse is caring for a client who had an open traditional esophagectomy. Which assessment findings would the nurse report immediately to the primary health care provider? (Select all that apply.) a. Nausea b. Wound dehiscence c. Fever d. Tachycardia e. Moderate pain f. Fatigue

ANS: B, C, D Wound dehiscence is a serious, potentially life-threatening problem that needs immediate attention of the primary health care provider, typically the surgeon. Fever and tachycardia may indicate that the client has a postoperative infection, another serious, potentially life-threatening complication. Indications of both of these problems need to be documented and reported by the nurse. Nausea, fatigue, and moderate pain are expected postoperative assessment findings.

9. The nurse is teaching a client who had a descending colostomy 2 days ago about the ostomy stoma. Which changes in the stoma would the nurse teach the client to report to the primary health care provider? (Select all that apply.) a. Stool consistency is similar to paste. b. Stoma becomes dark and dull. c. Skin around the stoma becomes excoriated. d. Skin around stoma becomes protruded. e. Stoma becomes retracted into the abdomen.

ANS: B,C,D,E A colostomy placed in the descending colon would be expect to have a paste-like stool consistency. However, if the stoma becomes retracted or discolored, the client should report those changes to the primary health care provider. Skin around the stoma that becomes protruded would suggest the formation of a peristomal hernia, and skin excoriation needs appropriate management. Therefore, both of those skin changes would need to be reported to the primary health care provider.

1. The nurse is caring for a client with probable colorectal cancer (CRC). What assessment findings would the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.) a. Weight gain b. Rectal bleeding c. Anemia d. Change in stool shape e. Electrolyte imbalances f. Abdominal discomfort

ANS: B,C,D,F The client who has CRC usually experiences unintentional weight loss and rectal bleeding, either gross or occult. As a result of bleeding, the client has anemia and fatigue. Electrolyte imbalances are not common, but the client may note that the shape or consistency of stool has changed.

7. A nurse prepares a client for a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. The client states, My doctor told me that the fecal occult blood test was negative for colon cancer. I dont think I need the colonoscopy and would like to cancel it. How should the nurse respond? a. Your doctor should not have given you that information prior to the colonoscopy. b. The colonoscopy is required due to the high percentage of false negatives with the blood test. c. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out the possibility of colon cancer. d. I will contact your doctor so that you can discuss your concerns about the procedure.

ANS: C A negative result from a fecal occult blood test does not completely rule out the possibility of colon cancer. To determine whether the client has colon cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed so the entire colon can be visualized and a tissue sample taken for biopsy. The client may want to speak with the provider, but the nurse should address the clients concerns prior to contacting the provider.

18. A nurse teaches a client who is recovering from a colon resection. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? a. You may experience nausea and vomiting for the first few weeks. b. Carbonated beverages can help decrease acid reflux from anastomosis sites. c. Take a stool softener to promote softer stools for ease of defecation. d. You may return to your normal workout schedule, including weight lifting.

ANS: C Clients recovering from a colon resection should take a stool softener as prescribed to keep stools a soft consistency for ease of passage. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of intestinal obstruction and perforation and should be reported to the provider immediately. The client should be advised to avoid gas-producing foods and carbonated beverages, and avoid lifting heavy objects or straining on defecation.

9. A nurse cares for a client with colon cancer who has a new colostomy. The client states, I think it would be helpful to talk with someone who has had a similar experience. How should the nurse respond? a. I have a good friend with a colostomy who would be willing to talk with you. b. The enterostomal therapist will be able to answer all of your questions. c. I will make a referral to the United Ostomy Associations of America. d. Youll find that most people with colostomies dont want to talk about them.

ANS: C Nurses need to become familiar with community-based resources to better assist clients. The local chapter of the United Ostomy Associations of America has resources for clients and their families, including Ostomates (specially trained visitors who also have ostomies). The nurse should not suggest that the client speak with a personal contact of the nurse. Although the enterostomal therapist is an expert in ostomy care, talking with him or her is not the same as talking with someone who actually has had a colostomy. The nurse should not brush aside the clients request by saying that most people with colostomies do not want to talk about them. Many people are willing to share their ostomy experience in the hope of helping others.

19. A nurse teaches a client who is at risk for colon cancer. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse teach this client? a. Eat low-fiber and low-residual foods. b. White rice and bread are easier to digest. c. Add vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower to your new diet. d. Foods high in animal fat help to protect the intestinal mucosa.

ANS: C The client should be taught to modify his or her diet to decrease animal fat and refined carbohydrates. The client should also increase high-fiber foods and Brassica vegetables, including broccoli and cauliflower, which help to protect the intestinal mucosa from colon cancer.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with a complete small bowel obstruction. For what priority problem is this client most likely at risk? a. Abdominal distention b. Nausea c. Electrolyte imbalance d. Obstipation

ANS: C The client who has a small bowel obstruction is at the highest risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, especially dehydration and hypokalemia due to profuse vomiting. Nausea, abdominal distention, and obstipation are also usually present, but these problems are not as life threatening as the imbalances in electrolytes.

17. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of possible strangulated inguinal hernia. For which complication would the nurse monitor? a. Paralytic ileus b. Bowel volvulus c. Sepsis d. Colitis

ANS: C The client who has a strangulated inguinal hernia would likely develop bowel necrosis which can lead to sepsis. The nurse would observe for early signs and symptoms of sepsis such as fever, tachypnea, and tachycardia. If the client's condition is not promptly managed, bowel perforation, septic shock, and death can result.

The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with stomatitis about special mouth care. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I need to take out my dentures until my mouth heals." b. "I'll try to eat soft foods that aren't spicy and acidic." c. "I will use a more firm toothbrush to keep my mouth clean." d. "I'll be sure to rinse my mouth often with warm salt water."

ANS: C The client who has stomatitis has oral inflammation which causes discomfort. Therefore, all of these actions help to avoid irritation except for needing to use a soft toothbrush or gauze rather than a firm one.

A client has an open traditional hiatal hernia repair this morning. What is the nurse's priority for client care at this time? a. Managing surgical pain b. Ambulating the client early c. Preventing respiratory complications d. Managing the nasogastric tube

ANS: C The client who has traditional surgery (rather than minimally invasive surgery) is at risk for respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia because he or she has an incision that may prevent the client from taking deep breaths or using an incentive spirometer. Therefore, the nurse's priority is to prevent these potentially life-threatening respiratory problems.

18. The nurse is teaching a client how to avoid the formation of hemorrhoids. What lifestyle change would the nurse include? a. Avoiding alcohol b. Quitting smoking c. Decreasing fluid intake d. Increasing dietary fiber

ANS: C The major cause of hemorrhoid formation is constipation. Therefore, the nurse teaches the client ways to prevent constipation, which include increasing dietary fiber, increasing exercise and fluid intake, and avoiding straining when have a stool.

6. A nurse assessing a client with colorectal cancer auscultates high-pitched bowel sounds and notes the presence of visible peristaltic waves. Which action should the nurse take? a. Ask if the client is experiencing pain in the right shoulder. b. Perform a rectal examination and assess for polyps. c. Contact the provider and recommend computed tomography. d. Administer a laxative to increase bowel movement activity.

ANS: C The presence of visible peristaltic waves, accompanied by high-pitched or tingling bowel sounds, is indicative of partial obstruction caused by the tumor. The nurse should contact the provider with these results and recommend a computed tomography scan for further diagnostic testing. This assessment finding is not associated with right shoulder pain; peritonitis and cholecystitis are associated with referred pain to the right shoulder. The registered nurse is not qualified to complete a rectal examination for polyps, and laxatives would not help this client.

6. A nurse assesses a male client with an abdominal hernia. Which abdominal hernias are correctly paired with their physiologic processes? (Select all that apply.) a. Indirect inguinal hernia An enlarged plug of fat eventually pulls the peritoneum and often the bladder into a sac b. Femoral hernia A peritoneum sac pushes downward and may descend into the scrotum c. Direct inguinal hernia A peritoneum sac passes through a weak point in the abdominal wall d. Ventral hernia Results from inadequate healing of an incision e. Incarcerated hernia Contents of the hernia sac cannot be reduced back into the abdominal cavity

ANS: C, D, E A direct inguinal hernia occurs when a peritoneum sac passes through a weak point in the abdominal wall. A ventral hernia results from inadequate healing of an incision. An incarcerated hernia cannot be reduced or placed back into the abdominal cavity. An indirect inguinal hernia is a sac formed from the peritoneum that contains a portion of the intestine and pushes downward at an angle into the inguinal canal. An indirect inguinal hernia often descends into the scrotum. A femoral hernia protrudes through the femoral ring and, as the clot enlarges, pulls the peritoneum and often the urinary bladder into the sac.

2. After teaching a client who is recovering from a colon resection to treat early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC), the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statements by the client indicate understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. "I must change the ostomy appliance daily and as needed." b. "I will use warm water and a soft washcloth to clean around the stoma." c. "I might start bicycling and swimming again once my incision has healed." d. "I will make sure that I make lifestyle changes to prevent constipation." e. "I will be sure to have the recommended colonoscopies."

ANS: C,D,E The client has had a colon resection for early CRC and there is no indication that the client also had a colostomy. Follow up with recommended colonoscopies are essential to monitor for CRC recurrence. Avoiding constipation will help improve intestinal motility which helps to decrease the risk for CRC recurrence. Exercise and other activities do not need to be restricted after the client has healed.

14. A nurse assesses a client with a mechanical bowel obstruction who reports intermittent abdominal pain. An hour later the client reports constant abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Administer intravenous opioid medications. b. Position the client with knees to chest. c. Insert a nasogastric tube for decompression. d. Assess the clients bowel sounds.

ANS: D A change in the nature and timing of abdominal pain in a client with a bowel obstruction can signal peritonitis or perforation. The nurse should immediately check for rebound tenderness and the absence of bowel sounds. The nurse should not medicate the client until the provider has been notified of the change in his or her condition. The nurse may help the client to the knee-chest position for comfort, but this is not the priority action. The nurse need not insert a nasogastric tube for decompression.

Which of these client assessment findings is typically associated with oral cancer? a. Dry sticky oral membranes b. Increased appetite c. Itchy rash in oral cavity d. Painless red or raised lesion

ANS: D A painless red or raised lesion often indicates a diagnosis of oral cancer. The client usually has a decreased appetite and thick secretions. Itchiness is not a common finding associated with oral cancer.

13. An emergency room nurse cares for a client who has been shot in the abdomen and is hemorrhaging heavily. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Send a blood sample for a type and crossmatch. b. Insert a large intravenous line for fluid resuscitation. c. Obtain the heart rate and blood pressure. d. Assess and maintain a patent airway.

ANS: D All of the options are important nursing actions in the care of a trauma client. However, airway always comes first. The client must have a patent airway, or other interventions will not be helpful.

5. A nurse assesses clients at a community health center. Which client is at highest risk for the development of colorectal cancer? a. A 37-year-old who drinks eight cups of coffee daily b. A 44-year-old with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) c. A 60-year-old lawyer who works 65 hours per week d. A 72-year-old who eats fast food frequently

ANS: D Colon cancer is rare before the age of 40, but its incidence increases rapidly with advancing age. Fast food tends to be high in fat and low in fiber, increasing the risk for colon cancer. Coffee intake, IBS, and a heavy workload do not increase the risk for colon cancer.

9. The nurse is caring for a client with a large bowel obstruction due to fecal impaction. What position would be appropriate for the client while in bed? a. Prone b. Supine c. Recumbent d. Semi-Fowler

ANS: D Having the client in a semi-sitting position helps to decrease the pressure caused by abdominal distention and promotes thoracic expansion to facilitate breathing.

21. A nurse cares for a client who has a family history of colon cancer. The client states, My father and my brother had colon cancer. What is the chance that I will get cancer? How should the nurse respond? a. If you eat a low-fat and low-fiber diet, your chances decrease significantly. b. You are safe. This is an autosomal dominant disorder that skips generations. c. Preemptive surgery and chemotherapy will remove cancer cells and prevent cancer. d. You should have a colonoscopy more frequently to identify abnormal polyps early.

ANS: D The nurse should encourage the client to have frequent colonoscopies to identify abnormal polyps and cancerous cells early. The abnormal gene associated with colon cancer is an autosomal dominant gene mutation that does not skip a generation and places the client at high risk for cancer. Changing the clients diet, preemptive chemotherapy, and removal of polyps will decrease the clients risk but will not prevent cancer. However, a client at risk for colon cancer should eat a low-fat and high-fiber diet.

The nurse is teaching a client about the use of viscous lidocaine for oral pain. What health teaching would the nurse include? a. "Use the drug before every meal to prevent aspiration." b. "Increase your intake of citrus foods to help with healing." c. "Use the drug only at bedtime because you won't be eating." d. "Be sure to check food temperatures before eating."

ANS: D Viscous lidocaine has an anesthetic effect in the oral cavity. Therefore, to promote client safety, the nurse would want to teach the client to check food temperature before eating.

The nurse is teaching a client who has been treated for acute gastritis. What statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? a. "I need to cut down on drinking martinis every might." b. "I should decrease my intake of caffeinated drinks, especially coffee." c. "I will only take ibuprofen once in a while when I really need it." d. "I can continue smoking cigarettes which is better than chewing tobacco."

D To prevent another episode of acute gastritis, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and NSAIDs should be avoided or kept at a minimum. Smoking and all forms of tobacco should also be avoided.

A client has dumping syndrome after a partial gastrectomy. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate? a. Arrange a dietary consult. b. Increase fluid intake. c. Limit the client's foods. d. Make the client NPO.

a The client with dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy has multiple dietary needs. A referral to the registered dietitian nutritionist will be extremely helpful. Food and fluid intake is complicated and needs planning. The client should not be NPO.

The nurse is caring for a client who has frequent gastric pain and dyspepsia. Which procedure would the nurse expect for the client to make an accurate diagnosis? a. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) b. Abdominal arteriogram c. Nuclear medicine scan d. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

a The gold standard for diagnosing disorders of the stomach is an EGD which allows direct visualization by the endoscopist into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The nurse is caring for a client experiencing upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. What is the priority action for the client's care? a. Maintain airway, breathing, and circulation. b. Monitor vital signs, including orthostatic blood pressures. c. Draw blood for hemoglobin and hematocrit immediately. d. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube and connect to intermittent suction.

a The priority action for any client experiencing deterioration or an emergent situation is monitor and maintain airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Taking orthostatic blood pressures would not be appropriate, but the nurse would monitor vital signs carefully and draw blood for hemoglobin and hematocrit. An NG tube would also need to be inserted and connected to gastric suction to rest the GI tract. However, none of these actions take priority over maintaining ABCs.

Which of the following is (are) (a) risk factor(s) for gastric cancer? (Select all that apply.) a. Achlorhydria b. Chronic atrophic gastritis c. H. pylori infection d. Iron deficiency anemia e. Pernicious anemia

a b c e Achlorhydria, chronic atrophic gastritis, H. pylori infection, and pernicious anemia are all risk factors for developing gastric cancer. Iron deficiency anemia is not a risk factor.

The nurse recalls that the risk factors for acute gastritis include which of the following? (Select all that apply.) a. Alcohol b. Caffeine c. Corticosteroids d. Fruit juice e. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

a b c e Risk factors for acute gastritis include alcohol, caffeine, corticosteroids, and chronic NSAID use. Fruit juice is not a risk factor, although in some people it does cause distress.

What action(s) by the nurse is (are) appropriate to promote nutrition in a client who had a partial gastrectomy? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer vitamin B12 injections. b. Ask the primary health care provider about folic acid replacement. c. Educate the client on enteral feedings. d. Obtain consent for total parenteral nutrition. e. Provide iron supplements for the client.

a b e After a partial or total gastrectomy, clients are at high risk for anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, or iron deficiency. The nurse would provide supplements for all these nutrients. The client does not need enteral feeding or total parenteral nutrition.

A nurse is preparing to administer pantoprazole intravenously to prevent stress ulcers during surgery. What action(s) by the nurse is (are) most appropriate? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer the drug through a separate IV line. b. Infuse pantoprazole using an IV pump. c. Keep the drug in its original brown container. d. Take vital signs frequently during infusion. e. Use an in-line IV filter when infusing.

a b e When infusing pantoprazole, use a separate IV line, a pump, and an in-line filter. A brown wrapper and frequent vital signs are not needed.

A client has dumping syndrome. What menu selections indicate the client understands the correct diet to manage this condition? (Select all that apply.) a. Apricots b. Coffee cake c. Milk shake d. Potato soup e. Steamed broccoli

a d Canned apricots and potato soup are appropriate selections as they are part of a high-protein, high-fat, and low- to moderate-carbohydrate diet. Coffee cake and other sweets must be avoided. Milk products and sweet drinks such as shakes must be avoided. Gas-forming foods such as broccoli must also be avoided.

A client who has peptic ulcer disease is prescribed quadruple drug therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. What health teaching related to bismuth would the nurse include? a. "Report stool changes to your primary health care provider immediately." b. "Do not take aspirin or aspirin products of any kind while on bismuth." c. "Take bismuth about 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime." d. "Be aware that bismuth can cause frequent vomiting and diarrhea."

b Bismuth is a salicylate drug and causes stool discoloration but not vomiting and diarrhea. It does not have to be taken at a specific time relative to meals. Clients taking bismuth should not take other salicylates, such as aspirin or aspirin-containing products.

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube as a result of an upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage. What comfort measure would the nurse remind assistive personnel (AP) to provide? a. Lavaging the tube with ice water b. Performing frequent oral care c. Re-positioning the tube every 4 hours d. Taking and recording vital signs

b Clients with NG tubes need frequent oral care both for comfort and to prevent infection. Lavaging the tube is done by the nurse. Repositioning the tube, if needed, is also done by the nurse. The can take vital signs, but this is not a comfort measure.

A client who had a partial gastrectomy 3 days ago begins to experience vertigo, sweating, and tachycardia about 30 minutes after eating breakfast. What postoperative complication would the nurse suspect? a. Pyloric obstruction b. Dumping syndrome c. Delayed gastric emptying d. Pernicious anemia

b Dumping syndrome causes autonomic symptoms as food quickly leaves the stomach due to its decreased size after surgery.

A client has a recurrence of gastric cancer and is crying. What response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. "Do you have family or friends for support?" b. "Would you tell me what you are feeling now." c. "Well, we knew this would probably happen." d. "Would you like me to refer you to hospice?"

b The nurse assesses the client's emotional state with open-ended questions and statements and shows a willingness to listen to the client's concerns. Asking about support people is very limited in nature, and "yes-or-no" questions are not therapeutic. Stating that this was expected dismisses the client's concerns. The client may or may not be ready to hear about hospice, and this is another limited, yes-or-no question.

The nurse is caring for a client with a long history of peptic ulcer disease. What assessment findings would the nurse anticipate if the client experiences upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding? (Select all that apply.) a. Decreased heart rate b. Decreased blood pressure c. Bounding radial pulse d. Dizziness e. Hematemesis f. Decreased urinary output

b d e f The client who has upper GI bleeding would likely have vomiting that contains blood (hematemesis), and would have signs and symptoms of dehydration such as a decreased blood pressure, dizziness, and/or decreased urinary output. The heart rate increases rather than decreases and the pulse is weak rather than bounding in clients who are dehydrated.

During an interview, the client tells the nurse that the client has a duodenal ulcer. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect? a. Hematemesis b. Pain when eating c. Melena d. Weight loss

c All of the other assessment findings are more commonly seen in clients who have gastric ulcers rather than duodenal ulcers.

The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. For which complication would the nurse monitor? a. Large bowel obstruction b. Dyspepsia c. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding d. Gastric cancer

c Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) can cause gastric mucosal damage or perforation, which causes upper GI bleeding. Dyspepsia is a symptom of PUD, gastritis, and gastric cancer. PUD affects the stomach and/or duodenum, not the colon.

A client with peptic ulcer disease is in the emergency department and reports gastric pain that has gotten much worse over the last 24 hours. The client's blood pressure when lying down is 112/68 mm Hg and when standing is 98/52 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Administer a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). b. Call the Rapid Response Team. c. Start a large-bore IV with normal saline. d. Tell the patient to remain lying down.

c This client has orthostatic changes to the blood pressure, indicating fluid volume loss. The nurse would start a large-bore IV with isotonic solution. PPIs are not a treatment for an ulcer. The Rapid Response Team is not needed at this point. The client should be put on safety precautions, which includes staying in bed, but this is not the most appropriate action at this time.

The nurse assesses a client who has possible gastritis. Which assessment finding(s) indicate(s) that the client has chronic gastritis? (Select all that apply.) a. Anorexia b. Dyspepsia c. Intolerance of fatty foods d. Pernicious anemia e. Nausea and vomiting

c d Intolerance of fatty or spicy foods and pernicious anemia are signs of chronic gastritis. Anorexia and nausea/vomiting can be seen in both conditions. Dyspepsia is seen in acute gastritis.

The nurse caring for clients with gastrointestinal disorders would recall that omeprazole is a drug in which classification? a. Gastric acid inhibitor b. Histamine receptor blocker c. Mucosal barrier fortifier d. Proton pump inhibitor

d Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor.