Med Surg Test 4: Chap. 28, 29, 31, 53, 54, 55

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

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

A nurse cares for a client who is experiencing epistaxis. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Initiate Standard Precautions. b. Apply direct pressure. c. Sit the client upright. d. Loosely pack the nares with gauze

ANS: A The nurse should implement Standard Precautions and don gloves prior to completing the other actions

A client has 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 resolved if present.

A nurse admits a client from the emergency department. Client data are listed below: History Physical Assessment Laboratory Values 70 years of age History of diabetes On insulin twice a day Reports new-onset dyspnea and productive cough Crackles and rhonchi heard throughout the lungs Dullness to percussion LLL Afebrile Oriented to person only WBC: 5,200/mm3 PaO2 on room air 65 mm Hg What action by the nurse is the priority? a. Administer oxygen at 4 liters per nasal cannula. b. Begin broad-spectrum antibiotics. c. Collect a sputum sample for culture. d. Start an IV of normal saline at 50 mL/hr.

ANS: A All actions are appropriate for this client who has manifestations of pneumonia. However, airway and breathing come first, so begin oxygen administration and titrate it to maintain saturations greater than 95%. Start the IV and collect a sputum culture, and then begin antibiotics.

A client is having a temporary tracheostomy placed during surgery for oral cancer. What action by the nurse is best to relieve anxiety? a. Agree on a postoperative communication method. b. Explain that staff will answer the call light promptly. c. Give the client a Magic Slate to write on postoperatively. d. Reassure the client that you will take care of all of his or her needs

ANS: A Before surgery that interrupts the clients ability to communicate, the nurse, client, and family (if possible) agree upon a method of communication in the postoperative period. The client may or may not prefer a slate and may not be able to communicate in writing. Reassuring the client and telling him or her you will take care of all of his or her needs does not help the client be an active participant in care. Ensuring that the staff will answer the call light promptly will not guarantee this will occur.

A client is prescribed cetuximab (Erbitux) for oral cancer and asks the nurse how it works. What response by the nurse is best? a. It blocks epidermal growth factor. b. It cuts off the tumors blood supply. c. It prevents tumor extension. d. It targets rapidly dividing cells

ANS: A Cetuximab (Erbitux) targets and blocks the epidermal growth factor, which contributes to the growth of oral cancers. The other explanations are not correct.

While assessing a client who has facial trauma, the nurse auscultates stridor. The client is anxious and restless. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Contact the provider and prepare for intubation. b. Administer prescribed albuterol nebulizer therapy. c. Place the client in high-Fowlers position. d. Ask the client to perform deep-breathing exercises.

ANS: A Facial and neck tissue edema can occur in clients with facial trauma. Airway patency is the highest priority. Clients who experience stridor and hypoxia, manifested by anxiety and restlessness, should be immediately intubated to ensure airway patency. Albuterol decreases bronchi and bronchiole inflammation, not facial and neck edema. Although putting the client in high-Fowlers position and asking the client to perform breathing exercises may temporarily improve the clients comfort, these actions will not decrease the underlying problem or improve airway patency

The emergency department (ED) manager is reviewing client charts to determine how well the staff performs when treating clients with community-acquired pneumonia. What outcome demonstrates that goals for this client type have been met? a. Antibiotics started before admission b. Blood cultures obtained within 20 minutes c. Chest x-ray obtained within 30 minutes d. Pulse oximetry obtained on all clients

ANS: A Goals for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia include initiating antibiotics prior to inpatient admission or within 6 hours of presentation to the ED. Timely collection of blood cultures, chest x-ray, and pulse oximetry are important as well but do not coincide with established goals.

A nurse cares for a client after radiation therapy for lung cancer. The client reports a sore throat. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Ask the client to gargle with mouthwash containing lidocaine. b. Administer prescribed intravenous pain medications. c. Explain that soreness is normal and will improve in a couple days. d. Assess the clients neck for redness and swelling.

ANS: A Mouthwashes and throat sprays containing a local anesthetic agent such as lidocaine or diphenhydramine can provide relief from a sore throat after radiation therapy. Intravenous pain medications may be used if local anesthetics are unsuccessful. The nurse should explain to the client that this is normal and assess the clients neck, but these options do not decrease the clients discomfort.

The nurse reads a clients chart and sees that the health care provider assessed mucosal erythroplasia. What should the nurse understand that this means for the 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

A client is scheduled to have a fundoplication. What statement by the client indicates a need to review preoperative teaching? a. After the operation I can eat anything I want. b. I will have to eat smaller, more frequent meals. c. I will take stool softeners for several weeks. d. This surgery may not totally control my symptoms.

ANS: A Nutritional and lifestyle changes need to continue after surgery as the procedure does not offer a lifetime cure. The other statements show good understanding.

A client is receiving oxygen at 4 liters per nasal cannula. What comfort measure may the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Apply water-soluble ointment to nares and lips. b. Periodically turn the oxygen down or off. c. Remove the tubing from the clients nose. d. Turn the client every 2 hours or as needed.

ANS: A Oxygen can be drying, so the UAP can apply water-soluble lubricant to the clients lips and nares. The UAP should not adjust the oxygen flow rate or remove the tubing. Turning the client is not related to comfort measures for oxygen

A student is practicing suctioning a tracheostomy in the skills laboratory. What action by the student demonstrates that more teaching is needed? a. Applying suction while inserting the catheter b. Preoxygenating the client prior to suctioning c. Suctioning for a total of three times if needed d. Suctioning for only 10 to 15 seconds each time

ANS: A Suction should only be applied while withdrawing the catheter. The other actions are appropriate.

A client admitted for pneumonia has been tachypneic for several days. When the nurse starts an IV to give fluids, the client questions this action, saying I have been drinking tons of water. How am I dehydrated? What response by the nurse is best? a. Breathing so quickly can be dehydrating. b. Everyone with pneumonia is dehydrated. c. This is really just to administer your antibiotics. d. Why do you think you are so dehydrated?

ANS: A Tachypnea and mouth breathing, both seen in pneumonia, increase insensible water loss and can lead to a degree of dehydration. The other options do not give the client useful information.

A nurse assesses a client who has a nasal fracture. The client reports constant nasal drainage, a headache, and difficulty with vision. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Collect the nasal drainage on a piece of filter paper. b. Encourage the client to blow his or her nose. c. Perform a test focused on a neurologic examination. d. Palpate the nose, face, and neck.

ANS: A The client with nasal drainage after facial trauma could have a skull fracture that has resulted in leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF can be differentiated from regular drainage by the fact that it forms a halo when dripped on filter paper. The other actions would be appropriate but are not as high a priority as assessing for CSF. A CSF leak would increase the clients risk for infection.

A client has been hospitalized with tuberculosis (TB). The clients spouse is fearful of entering the room where the client is in isolation and refuses to visit. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the spouse to explain the fear of visiting in further detail. b. Inform the spouse the precautions are meant to keep other clients safe. c. Show the spouse how to follow the isolation precautions to avoid illness. d. Tell the spouse that he or she has already been exposed, so its safe to visit.

ANS: A The nurse needs to obtain further information about the spouses specific fears so they can be addressed. This will decrease stress and permit visitation, which will be beneficial for both client and spouse. Precautions for TB prevent transmission to all who come into contact with the client. Explaining isolation precautions and what to do when entering the room will be helpful, but this is too narrow in scope to be the best answer. Telling the spouse its safe to visit is demeaning of the spouses feelings.

A client is in the emergency department with an esophageal trauma. The nurse palpates subcutaneous emphysema in the mediastinal area and up into the lower part of the clients neck. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Assess the clients oxygenation. b. Facilitate a STAT chest x-ray. c. Prepare for immediate surgery. d. Start two large-bore IVs.

ANS: A The priorities of care are airway, breathing, and circulation. The priority option is to assess oxygenation. This occurs before diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The client needs two large-bore IVs as a trauma client, but oxygenation comes first.

An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) was feeding a client with a tracheostomy. Later that evening, the UAP reports that the client had a coughing spell during the meal. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Assess the clients lung sounds. b. Assign a different UAP to the client. c. Report the UAP to the manager. d. Request thicker liquids for meals.

ANS: A The priority is to check the clients oxygenation because he or she may have aspirated. Once the client has been assessed, the nurse can consult with the registered dietitian about appropriately thickened liquids. The UAP should have reported the incident immediately, but addressing that issue is not the immediate priority.

A client has been diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). What action by the nurse takes highest priority? Test Bank - Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 9e 247 a. Educating the client on adherence to the treatment regimen b. Encouraging the client to eat a well-balanced diet c. Informing the client about follow-up sputum cultures d. Teaching the client ways to balance rest with activity

ANS: A The treatment regimen for TB ranges from 6 to 12 months, making adherence problematic for many people. The nurse should stress the absolute importance of following the treatment plan for the entire duration of prescribed therapy. The other options are appropriate topics to educate this client on but do not take priority.

A client has a tracheostomy that is 3 days old. Upon assessment, the nurse notes the clients face is puffy and the eyelids are swollen. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Assess the clients oxygen saturation. b. Notify the Rapid Response Team. c. Oxygenate the client with a bag-valve-mask. d. Palpate the skin of the upper chest.

ANS: A This client may have subcutaneous emphysema, which is air that leaks into the tissues surrounding the tracheostomy. The nurse should first assess the clients oxygen saturation and other indicators of oxygenation. If the client is stable, the nurse can palpate the skin of the upper chest to feel for the air. If the client is unstable, the nurse calls the Rapid Response Team. Using a bag-valve-mask device may or may not be appropriate for the unstable client.

A hospital nurse is participating in a drill during which many clients with inhalation anthrax are being admitted. What drugs should the nurse anticipate administering? (Select all that apply.) a. Amoxicillin (Amoxil) b. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) c. Doxycycline (Vibramycin) d. Ethambutol (Myambutol) e. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SMX-TMP) (Septra)

ANS: A, B, C Amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline are all possible treatments for inhalation anthrax. Ethambutol is used for tuberculosis. SMX-TMP is commonly used for urinary tract infections and other common infections.

A home health nurse is visiting a new client who uses oxygen in the home. For which factors does the nurse assess when determining if the client is using the oxygen safely? (Select all that apply.) a. The client does not allow smoking in the house. b. Electrical cords are in good working order. c. Flammable liquids are stored in the garage. d. Household light bulbs are the fluorescent type. e. The client does not have pets inside the home.

ANS: A, B, C Oxygen is an accelerant, which means it enhances combustion, so precautions are needed whenever using it. The nurse should assess if the client allows smoking near the oxygen, whether electrical cords are in good shape or are frayed, and if flammable liquids are stored (and used) in the garage away from the oxygen. Light bulbs and pets are not related to oxygen safety.

The nurse has taught a client about lifestyle modifications for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). What statements by the client indicate good understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. I just joined a gym, so I hope that helps me lose weight. b. I sure hate to give up my coffee, but I guess I have to. c. I will eat three small meals and three small snacks a day. d. Sitting upright and not lying down after meals will help. e. Smoking a pipe is not a problem and I dont have to stop

ANS: A, B, C, D Lifestyle modifications can help control GERD and include losing weight if needed; avoiding chocolate, caffeine, and carbonated beverages; eating frequent small meals or snacks; and remaining upright after meals. Tobacco is a risk factor for GERD and should be avoided in all forms.

A client has been discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation center after an esophagogastrectomy. What menu selections by the client at the rehabilitation center indicate a good understanding of dietary instructions? (Select all that apply.) a. Boost supplement b. Greek yogurt c. Scrambled eggs d. Whole milk shake e. Whole wheat toast

ANS: A, B, C, D Malnutrition is a serious problem after this procedure. The client needs high-protein, high-calorie foods that are easy to chew and swallow. The Boost supplement, Greek yogurt, scrambled eggs, and whole milk shake are all good choices. The whole wheat bread, while heart healthy, is not a good choice as it is dry and not easy to chew and swallow.

The nurse is aware that which factors are related to the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? (Select all that apply.) a. Delayed gastric emptying b. Eating large meals c. Hiatal hernia d. Obesity e. Viral infections

ANS: A, B, C, D Many factors predispose a person to GERD, including delayed gastric emptying, eating large meals, hiatal hernia, and obesity. Viral infections are not implicated in the development of GERD, although infection with Helicobacter pylori is.

A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged after a fixed centric occlusion for a mandibular fracture. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. You will need to cut the wires if you start vomiting. b. Eat six soft or liquid meals each day while recovering. c. Irrigate your mouth every 2 hours to prevent infection. d. Sleep in a semi-Fowlers position after the surgery. e. Gargle with mouthwash that contains Benadryl once a day.

ANS: A, B, C, D The client needs to know how to cut the wires in case of emergency. If the client vomits, he or she may aspirate. The client should also be taught to eat soft or liquid meals multiple times a day, irrigate the mouth with a Waterpik to prevent infection, and sleep in a semi-Fowlers position to assist in avoiding aspiration. Mouthwash with Benadryl is used for clients who have mouth pain after radiation treatment; it is not used to treat pain in a client with a mandibular fracture.

A client has been diagnosed with an empyema. What interventions should the nurse anticipate providing to this client? (Select all that apply.) a. Assisting with chest tube insertion b. Facilitating pleural fluid sampling c. Performing frequent respiratory assessment d. Providing antipyretics as needed e. Suctioning deeply every 4 hours

ANS: A, B, C, D The client with an empyema is often treated with chest tube insertion, which facilitates obtaining samples of the pleural fluid for analysis and re-expands the lungs. The nurse should perform frequent respiratory system assessments. Antipyretic medications are also used. Suction is only used when needed and is not done deeply to prevent tissue injury.

A nurse assesses a client who is 6 hours post-surgery for a nasal fracture and has nasal packing in place. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) a. Observe for clear drainage. b. Assess for signs of bleeding. c. Watch the client for frequent swallowing. d. Ask the client to open his or her mouth. e. Administer a nasal steroid to decrease edema. f. Change the nasal packing.

ANS: A, B, C, D The nurse should observe for clear drainage because of the risk for cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The nurse should assess for signs of bleeding by asking the client to open his or her mouth and observing the back of the throat for bleeding. The nurse should also note whether the client is swallowing frequently because this could indicate postnasal bleeding. A nasal steroid would increase the risk for infection. It is too soon to change the packing, which should be changed by the surgeon the first time.

The student nurse learns about risk factors for gastric cancer. Which factors does this include? (Select all that apply.) a. Achlorhydria b. Chronic atrophic gastritis c. Helicobacter pylori infection d. Iron deficiency anemia e. Pernicious anemia

ANS: 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.

A nurse is teaching a client about possible complications and hazards of home oxygen therapy. About which complications does the nurse plan to teach the client? (Select all that apply.) a. Absorptive atelectasis b. Combustion c. Dried mucous membranes d. Oxygen-induced hyperventilation e. Toxicity

ANS: A, B, C, E Complications of oxygen therapy include absorptive atelectasis, combustion, dried mucous membranes, and oxygen toxicity. Oxygen-induced hypoventilation is also a complication.

The student nurse studying stomach disorders learns 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)

ANS: 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.

The nurse is caring for a client who had an esophagectomy 3 days ago and was extubated yesterday. What actions may the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) a. Assisting with position changes and getting out of bed b. Keeping the head of the bed elevated to at least 30 degrees c. Reminding the client to use the spirometer every 4 hours d. Taking and recording vital signs per hospital protocol e. Titrating oxygen based on the clients oxygen saturations

ANS: A, B, D The UAP can assist with mobility, keep the head of the bed elevated, and take and record vital signs. The client needs to use the spirometer every 1 to 2 hours. The nurse titrates oxygen.

A client has a gastrointestinal hemorrhage and is prescribed two units of packed red blood cells. What actions should the nurse perform prior to hanging the blood? (Select all that apply.) a. Ask a second nurse to double-check the blood. b. Prime the IV tubing with normal saline. c. Prime the IV tubing with dextrose in water. d. Take and record a set of vital signs. e. Teach the client about reaction manifestations.

ANS: A, B, D, E Prior to starting a blood transfusion, the nurse asks another nurse to double-check the blood (and client identity), primes the IV tubing with normal saline, takes and records a baseline set of vital signs, and teaches the client about manifestations to report. The IV tubing is not primed with dextrose in water.

A nurse is planning discharge teaching on tracheostomy care for an older client. What factors does the nurse need to assess before teaching this particular client? (Select all that apply.) a. Cognition b. Dexterity c. Hydration d. Range of motion e. Vision

ANS: A, B, D, E The older adult is at risk for having impairments in cognition, dexterity, range of motion, and vision that could limit the ability to perform tracheostomy care and should be assessed. Hydration is not directly related to the ability to perform self-care.

A client who had a partial gastrectomy has several expected nutritional problems. What actions by the nurse are best to promote better nutrition? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer vitamin B12 injections. b. Ask the 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.

ANS: A, B, E After gastrectomy, clients are at high risk for anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency, folic acid deficiency, or iron deficiency. The nurse should provide supplements for all these nutrients. The client does not need enteral feeding or total parenteral nutrition.

A nurse is preparing to administer pantoprazole (Protonix) intravenously. What actions by the nurse 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 bag. d. Take vital signs frequently during infusion. e. Use an in-line IV filter when infusing.

ANS: 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.

The nurse is caring for a client with sialadenitis. What comfort measures may the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) a. Applying warm compresses b. Massaging salivary glands c. Offering fluids every hour d. Providing lemon-glycerin swabs e. Reminding the client to avoid speaking

ANS: A, C The UAP can apply warm compresses and offer fluids. Massaging salivary glands can be done, but not by the UAP. Lemon-glycerin swabs are drying and should not be used. Speaking has no effect on this condition.

A nurse is teaching clients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about foods to avoid. Which foods should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Chocolate b. Decaffeinated coffee c. Citrus fruits d. Peppermint e. Tomato sauce

ANS: A, C, D, E Chocolate, citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit, peppermint and spearmint, and tomato-based products all contribute to the reflux associated with GERD. Caffeinated teas, coffee, and sodas should be avoided.

A nurse is providing pneumonia vaccinations in a community setting. Due to limited finances, the event organizers must limit giving the vaccination to priority groups. What clients would be considered a priority when administering the pneumonia vaccination? (Select all that apply.) a. 22-year-old client with asthma b. Client who had a cholecystectomy last year c. Client with well-controlled diabetes d. Healthy 72-year-old client e. Client who is taking medication for hypertension

ANS: A, C, D, E Clients over 65 years of age and any client (no matter what age) with a chronic health condition would be considered a priority for a pneumonia vaccination. Having a cholecystectomy a year ago does not qualify as a chronic health condition.

A nurse is assessing clients on a rehabilitation unit. Which clients are at greatest risk for asphyxiation related to inspissated oral and nasopharyngeal secretions? (Select all that apply.) a. A 24-year-old with a traumatic brain injury b. A 36-year-old who fractured his left femur c. A 58-year-old at risk for aspiration following radiation therapy d. A 66-year-old who is a quadriplegic and has a sacral ulcer e. An 80-year-old who is aphasic after a cerebral vascular accident

ANS: A, C, D, E Risk for asphyxiation related to inspissated oral and nasopharyngeal secretions is caused by poor oral hygiene. Clients at risk include those with altered mental status and level of consciousness (traumatic brain injury), dehydration, an inability to communicate (aphasic) and cough effectively (quadriplegic), and a risk of aspiration (aspiration precautions). The client with a fractured femur is at risk for a pulmonary embolism.

A nurse studying cancer 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.

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

ANS: A, D Canned apricots and potato soup are appropriate selections as they are part of a high-protein, high-fat, 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 nurse assesses a client who has facial trauma. Which assessment findings require immediate intervention? (Select all that apply.) a. Stridor b. Nasal stuffiness c. Edema of the cheek d. Ecchymosis behind the ear e. Eye pain f. Swollen chin

ANS: A, D Stridor is a sign of airway obstruction and requires immediate intervention. Ecchymosis, or bruising, behind the ear is called battle sign and indicates basilar skull fracture. Nasal stuffiness, edema of the cheek or chin, and eye pain do not interfere with respirations or neurologic function, and therefore are not priorities for immediate intervention.

A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy tube. What actions may the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply.) a. Applying water-soluble lip balm to the clients lips b. Ensuring the humidification provided is adequate c. Performing oral care with alcohol-based mouthwash d. Reminding the client to cough and deep breathe often e. Suctioning excess secretions through the tracheostomy

ANS: A, D The UAP can perform hygiene measures such as applying lip balm and reinforce teaching such as reminding the client to perform coughing and deep-breathing exercises. Oral care can be accomplished with normal saline, not products that dry the mouth. Ensuring the humidity is adequate and suctioning through the tracheostomy are nursing functions.

A client is being discharged home after having a tracheostomy placed. What suggestions does the nurse offer to help the client maintain self-esteem? (Select all that apply.) a. Create a communication system. b. Dont go out in public alone. c. Find hobbies to enjoy at home. d. Try loose-fitting shirts with collars. e. Wear fashionable scarves.

ANS: A, D, E The client with a tracheostomy may be shy and hesitant to go out in public. The client should have a sound communication method to ease frustration. The nurse can also suggest ways of enhancing appearance so the client is willing to leave the house. These can include wearing scarves and loose-fitting shirts to hide the stoma. Keeping the client homebound is not good advice.

An older female client has been prescribed esomeprazole (Nexium) for treatment of chronic gastric ulcers. What teaching is particularly important for this client? a. Check with the pharmacist before taking other medications. b. Increase intake of calcium and vitamin D. c. Report any worsening of symptoms to the provider. d. Take the medication as prescribed by the provider.

ANS: B All of this advice is appropriate for any client taking this medication. However, long-term use is associated with osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures. This client is already at higher risk for this problem and should be instructed to increase calcium and vitamin D intake. The other options are appropriate for any client taking any medication and are not specific to the use of esomeprazole

A client with an esophageal tumor has difficulty swallowing and has been working with a speech-language pathologist. What assessment finding by the nurse indicates that the priority goal for this problem is being met? a. Choosing foods that are easy to swallow b. Lungs clear after meals and snacks c. Properly performing swallowing exercises d. Weight unchanged after 2 weeks

ANS: B All these assessment findings are positive for this client. However, this client is at high risk for aspiration. Clear lungs after eating indicates no aspiration has occurred. Choosing easy-to-swallow foods, performing swallowing checks, and having an unchanged weight do not assess aspiration, and therefore do not indicate that the priority goal has been met.

Which teaching point is most important for the client with bacterial pharyngitis? a. Gargle with warm salt water. b. Take all antibiotics as directed. c. Use a humidifier in the bedroom. d. Wash hands frequently.

ANS: B Any client on antibiotics must be instructed to complete the entire course of antibiotics. Not completing them can lead to complications or drug-resistant strains of bacteria. The other instructions are appropriate, just not the most important.

A client is scheduled for a traditional esophagogastrostomy. All preoperative teaching has been completed and the client and family show good understanding. What action by the nurse is best? a. Arrange an intensive care unit tour. b. Assess the clients psychosocial status. c. Document the teaching and response. d. Have the client begin nutritional supplements.

ANS: B Clients facing this long, difficult procedure are often anxious and fearful. The nurse should now assess the clients psychosocial status and provide the care and teaching required based on this assessment. An intensive care unit tour may help decrease stress but is too limited in scope to be the best response. Documentation should be thorough, but the nurse needs to do more than document. The client should begin nutritional supplements prior to the operation, but again this response is too limited in scope.

A client had an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and now has a nasogastric (NG) tube. What comfort measure may the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? 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

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

A client has a tracheostomy tube in place. When the nurse suctions the client, food particles are noted. What action by the nurse is best? a. Elevate the head of the clients bed. b. Measure and compare cuff pressures. c. Place the client on NPO status. d. Request that the client have a swallow study

ANS: B Constant pressure from the tracheostomy tube cuff can cause tracheomalacia, leading to dilation of the tracheal passage. This can be manifested by food particles seen in secretions or by noting that larger and larger amounts of pressure are needed to keep the tracheostomy cuff inflated. The nurse should measure the pressures and compare them to previous ones to detect a trend. Elevating the head of the bed, placing the client on NPO status, and requesting a swallow study will not correct this situation.

A client with an esophageal tumor is having extreme difficulty swallowing. For what procedure does the nurse prepare this client? a. Enteral tube feeding b. Esophageal dilation c. Nissen fundoplication d. Photodynamic therapy

ANS: B Esophageal dilation can provide immediate relief of esophageal strictures that impair swallowing. Enteral tube feeding is a method of providing nutrition when dysphagia is severe, but esophageal dilation would be attempted before this measure is taken. Nissen fundoplication is performed for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. Photodynamic therapy is performed for esophageal cancer.

A client has been taught about alginic acid and sodium bicarbonate (Gaviscon). What statement by the client indicates that teaching has been effective? a. I can only take this medicine at night. b. I should take this on a full stomach. c. This drug decreases stomach acid. d. This should be taken 1 hour before meals.

ANS: B Gaviscon should be taken with food in the stomach. It can be taken with meals at any time. Its mechanism of action is not to decrease stomach acid.

A client has been taking isoniazid (INH) for tuberculosis for 3 weeks. What laboratory results need to be reported to the health care provider immediately? a. Albumin: 5.1 g/dL b. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): 180 U/L c. Red blood cell (RBC) count: 5.2/mm3 d. White blood cell (WBC) count: 12,500/mm3

ANS: B INH can cause liver damage, especially if the client drinks alcohol. The ALT (one of the liver enzymes) is extremely high and needs to be reported immediately. The albumin and RBCs are normal. The WBCs are slightly high, but that would be an expected finding in a client with an infection.

An older adult is brought to the emergency department by a family member, who reports a moderate change in mental status and mild cough. The client is afebrile. The health care provider orders a chest x-ray. The family member questions why this is needed since the manifestations seem so vague. What response by the nurse is best? a. Chest x-rays are always ordered when we suspect pneumonia. b. Older people often have vague symptoms, so an x-ray is essential. c. The x-ray can be done and read before laboratory work is reported. d. We are testing for any possible source of infection in the client.

ANS: B It is essential to obtain an early chest x-ray in older adults suspected of having pneumonia because symptoms are often vague. Waiting until definitive manifestations are present to obtain the x-ray leads to a costly delay in treatment. Stating that chest x-rays are always ordered does not give the family definitive information. The xray can be done while laboratory values are still pending, but this also does not provide specific information about the importance of a chest x-ray in this client. The client has manifestations of pneumonia, so the staff is not testing for any possible source of infection but rather is testing for a suspected disorder.

A nurse cares for a client who had a partial laryngectomy 10 days ago. The client states that all food tastes bland. How should the nurse respond? a. I will consult the speech therapist to ensure you are swallowing properly. b. This is normal after surgery. What types of food do you like to eat? c. I will ask the dietitian to change the consistency of the food in your diet. d. Replacement of protein, calories, and water is very important after surgery.

ANS: B Many clients experience changes in taste after surgery. The nurse should identify foods that the client wants to eat to ensure the client maintains necessary nutrition. Although the nurse should collaborate with the speech therapist and dietitian to ensure appropriate replacement of protein, calories, and water, the other responses do not address the clients concerns.

A client is in the family medicine clinic reporting a dry, sore throat. The provider asks the nurse to assess for odynophagia. What assessment technique is most appropriate? a. Ask the client what foods cause trouble swallowing. b. Assess the client for pain when swallowing. c. Determine if the client can swallow saliva. d. Palpate the clients jaw while swallowing.

ANS: B Odynophagia is painful swallowing. The nurse should assess the client for this either by asking or by having the client attempt to drink water. It is not related to specific foods and is not assessed by palpating the jaw. Being unable to swallow saliva is not odynophagia, but it would be a serious situation.

A client is wearing a Venturi mask to deliver oxygen and the dinner tray has arrived. What action by the nurse is best? a. Assess the clients oxygen saturation and, if normal, turn off the oxygen. b. Determine if the client can switch to a nasal cannula during the meal. c. Have the client lift the mask off the face when taking bites of food. d. Turn the oxygen off while the client eats the meal and then restart it.

ANS: B Oxygen is a drug that needs to be delivered constantly. The nurse should determine if the provider has approved switching to a nasal cannula during meals. If not, the nurse should consult with the provider about this issue. The oxygen should not be turned off. Lifting the mask to eat will alter the FiO2 delivered

A nurse is caring for a client using oxygen while in the hospital. What assessment finding indicates that goals for a priority diagnosis are being met? a. 100% of meals being eaten by the client b. Intact skin behind the ears c. The client understanding the need for oxygen d. Unchanged weight for the past 3 days

ANS: B Oxygen tubing can cause pressure ulcers, so clients using oxygen have the nursing diagnosis of Risk for Impaired Skin Integrity. Intact skin behind the ears indicates that goals for this diagnosis are being met. Nutrition and weight are not related to using oxygen. Understanding the need for oxygen is important but would not take priority over a physical problem.

A client is in the family practice clinic reporting a severe cough that has lasted for 5 weeks. The client is so exhausted after coughing that work has become impossible. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Arrange for immediate hospitalization. b. Facilitate polymerase chain reaction testing. c. Have the client produce a sputum sample. d. Obtain two sets of blood cultures.

ANS: B Polymerase chain reaction testing is used to diagnose pertussis, which this client is showing manifestations of. Hospitalization may or may not be needed but is not the most important action. The client may or may not be able to produce sputum, but sputum cultures for this disease must be obtained via deep suctioning. Blood cultures will be negative.

The charge nurse on a medical unit is preparing to admit several clients who have possible pandemic flu during a preparedness drill. What action by the nurse is best? a. Admit the clients on Contact Precautions. b. Cohort the clients in the same area of the unit. c. Do not allow pregnant caregivers to care for these clients. d. Place the clients on enhanced Droplet Precautions.

ANS: B Preventing the spread of pandemic flu is equally important as caring for the clients who have it. Clients can be cohorted together in the same set of rooms on one part of the unit to use distancing to help prevent the spread of the disease. The other actions are not appropriate.

A nurse teaches a client to use a room humidifier after a laryngectomy. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Add peppermint oil to the humidifier to relax the airway. b. Make sure you clean the humidifier to prevent infection. c. Keep the humidifier filled with water at all times. d. Use the humidifier when you sleep, even during daytime naps.

ANS: B Priority teaching related to the use of a room humidifier focuses on infection control. Clients should be taught to meticulously clean the humidifier to prevent the spread of mold or other sources of infection. Peppermint oil should not be added to a humidifier. The humidifier should be refilled with water as needed and should be used while awake and asleep.

A client has a pyloric obstruction and reports sudden muscle weakness. What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Document the findings in the chart. b. Request an electrocardiogram (ECG). c. Facilitate a serum potassium test. d. Place the client on bedrest.

ANS: B Pyloric stenosis can lead to hypokalemia, which is manifested by muscle weakness. The nurse first obtains an ECG because potassium imbalances can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. A potassium level is also warranted, as is placing the client on bedrest for safety. Documentation should be thorough, but none of these actions takes priority over the ECG.

A nursing student caring for a client removes the clients oxygen as prescribed. The client is now breathing what percentage of oxygen in the room air? a. 14% b. 21% c. 28% d. 31%

ANS: B Room air is 21% oxygen.

A client is scheduled to have a tracheostomy placed in an hour. What action by the nurse is the priority? a. Administer prescribed anxiolytic medication. b. Ensure informed consent is on the chart. c. Reinforce any teaching done previously. d. Start the preoperative antibiotic infusion.

ANS: B Since this is an operative procedure, the client must sign an informed consent, which must be on the chart. Giving anxiolytics and antibiotics and reinforcing teaching may also be required but do not take priority

A nurse has conducted a community screening event for oral cancer. What client is the highest priority for referral to a dentist? 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. Illicit drugs are not related to oral cancers.

A nurse answers a clients call light and finds the client in the bathroom, vomiting large amounts of bright red blood. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Assist the client back to bed. b. Notify the provider immediately. c. Put on a pair of gloves. d. Take a set of vital signs.

ANS: C All of the actions are appropriate; however, the nurse should put on a pair of gloves first to avoid contamination with blood or body fluids.

. A client with a new tracheostomy is being seen in the oncology clinic. What finding by the nurse best indicates that goals for the nursing diagnosis Impaired Self-Esteem are being met? a. The client demonstrates good understanding of stoma care. b. The client has joined a book club that meets at the library. c. Family members take turns assisting with stoma care. d. Skin around the stoma is intact without signs of infection.

ANS: B The client joining a book club that meets outside the home and requires him or her to go out in public is the best sign that goals for Impaired Self-Esteem are being met. The other findings are all positive signs but do not relate to this nursing diagnosis

A nurse is caring for four clients. After receiving the hand-off report, which client should the nurse see first? a. Client having a radial neck dissection tomorrow who is asking questions b. Client who had a tracheostomy 4 hours ago and needs frequent suctioning c. Client who is 1 day postoperative for an oral tumor resection who is reporting pain d. Client waiting for discharge instructions after a small tumor resection

ANS: B The client who needs frequent suctioning should be seen first to ensure that his or her airway is patent. The client waiting for pain medication should be seen next. The nurse may need to call the surgeon to see the client who is asking questions. The client waiting for discharge instructions can be seen last.

A nurse teaches a client who has open vocal cord paralysis. Which technique should the nurse teach the client to prevent aspiration? a. Tilt the head back as far as possible when swallowing. b. Tuck the chin down when swallowing. c. Breathe slowly and deeply while swallowing. d. Keep the head very still and straight while swallowing.

ANS: B The client with open vocal cord paralysis may aspirate. The nurse should teach the client to tuck in his or her chin during swallowing to prevent aspiration. Tilting the head back would increase the chance of aspiration. Breathing slowly would not decrease the risk of aspiration, but holding the breath would. Keeping the head still and straight would not decrease the risk for aspiration.

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

ANS: B The nurse assesses the clients emotional state with open-ended questions and statements and shows a willingness to listen to the clients 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 clients concerns. The client may or may not be ready to hear about hospice, and this is another limited, yes-or-no question.

An older client has gastric cancer and is scheduled to have a partial gastrectomy. The family does not want the client told about her diagnosis. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the family why they feel this way. b. Assess family concerns and fears. c. Refuse to go along with the familys wishes. d. Tell the family that such secrets cannot be kept.

ANS: B The nurse should use open-ended questions and statements to fully assess the familys concerns and fears. Asking why questions often puts people on the defensive and is considered a barrier to therapeutic communication. Refusing to follow the familys wishes or keep their confidence will not help move this family from their position and will set up an adversarial relationship.

A client with peptic ulcer disease asks the nurse about taking slippery elm supplements. What response by the nurse is best? a. Slippery elm has no benefit for this problem. b. Slippery elm is often used for this disorder. c. There is no evidence that this will work. d. You should not take any herbal remedies.

ANS: B There are several complementary and alternative medicine regimens that are used for gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. Most have been tested on animals but not humans. Slippery elm is a common supplement used for this disorder.

The nurse is caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease who reports sudden onset of sharp abdominal pain. On palpation, the clients abdomen is tense and rigid. What action takes priority? a. Administer the prescribed pain medication. b. Notify the health care provider immediately. c. Percuss all four abdominal quadrants. d. Take and document a set of vital signs.

ANS: B This client has manifestations of a perforated ulcer, which is an emergency. The priority is to get the client medical attention. The nurse can take a set of vital signs while someone else calls the provider. The nurse should not percuss the abdomen or give pain medication since the client may need to sign consent for surgery.

A client seen in the emergency department reports fever, fatigue, and dry cough but no other upper respiratory symptoms. A chest x-ray reveals mediastinal widening. What action by the nurse is best? a. Collect a sputum sample for culture by deep suctioning. b. Inform the client that antibiotics will be needed for 60 days. c. Place the client on Airborne Precautions immediately. d. Tell the client that directly observed therapy is needed.

ANS: B This client has manifestations of early inhalation anthrax. For treatment, after IV antibiotics are finished, oral antibiotics are continued for at least 60 days. Sputum cultures are not needed. Anthrax is not transmissible from person to person, so Standard Precautions are adequate. Directly observed therapy is often used for tuberculosis

A nurse assesses a clients oral cavity and observes the condition depicted in the photo below: What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask about the clients human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. b. Assess the client for dysphagia. c. Listen to the clients lung sounds. d. Refer the client to an oncologist.

ANS: B This client has oral candidiasis. If the infection extends down the pharynx, the client could have difficulty swallowing. Therefore, the nurse should assess the client for dysphagia. HIV status may or may not be related but is not the priority. Listening to the lungs is unrelated. Since oral candidiasis is an infectious condition, referral to an oncologist is not needed.

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube after a Nissen fundoplication. The nurse answers the call light and finds the client vomiting bright red blood with the NG tube lying on the floor. What action should the nurse take first? a. Notify the surgeon. b. Put on a pair of gloves. c. Reinsert the NG tube. d. Take a set of vital signs.

ANS: B To avoid exposure to blood and body fluids, the nurse first puts on a pair of gloves. Taking vital signs and notifying the surgeon are also appropriate, but the nurse must protect himself or herself first. The surgeon will reinsert the NG tube either at the bedside or in surgery if the client needs to go back to the operating room.

After teaching a client who is prescribed voice rest therapy for vocal cord polyps, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs further teaching? a. I will stay away from smokers to minimize inhalation of secondhand smoke. b. When I speak, I will whisper rather than use a normal tone of voice. c. For the next several weeks, I will not lift more than 10 pounds. d. I will drink at least three quarts of water each day to stay hydrated.

ANS: B Treatment for vocal cord polyps includes no speaking, no lifting, and no smoking. The client has to be educated not to even whisper when resting the voice. It is also appropriate for the client to stay out of rooms where people are smoking, to stay hydrated, and to use stool softeners

A student nurse is providing care to an older client with stomatitis and dysphagia. What action by the student nurse requires the registered nurse to intervene? a. Assisting the client to perform oral care every 2 hours b. Preparing to administer a viscous lidocaine gargle c. Reminding the client not to swallow nystatin (Mycostatin) d. Teaching the client to use a soft-bristled toothbrush

ANS: B Viscous lidocaine gargles or mouthwashes are sometimes prescribed for clients with stomatitis and pain. However, the numbing effect can lead to choking or mouth burns from hot food. This client already has difficulty swallowing, so this medication is not appropriate. Therefore, the nurse should intervene when the student prepares to administer this preparation. The other options are correct actions.

A client in the emergency department is taking rifampin (Rifadin) for tuberculosis. The client reports yellowing of the sclera and skin and bleeding after minor trauma. What laboratory results correlate to this condition? (Select all that apply.) a. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): 19 mg/dL b. International normalized ratio (INR): 6.3 c. Prothrombin time: 35 seconds d. Serum sodium: 130 mEq/L e. White blood cell (WBC) count: 72,000/mm3

ANS: B, C Rifampin can cause liver damage, evidenced by the clients high INR and prothrombin time. The BUN and WBC count are normal. The sodium level is low, but that is not related to this clients problem.

The nurse is working with clients who have esophageal disorders. The nurse should assess the clients for which manifestations? (Select all that apply.) a. Aphasia b. Dysphagia c. Eructation d. Halitosis e. Weight gain

ANS: B, C, D Common signs of esophageal disorders include dysphagia, eructation, halitosis, and weight loss. Aphasia is difficulty with speech, commonly seen after stroke.

A nurse assesses a client who has developed epistaxis. Which conditions in the clients history should the nurse identify as potential contributors to this problem? (Select all that apply.) a. Diabetes mellitus b. Hypertension c. Leukemia d. Cocaine use e. Migraine f. Elevated platelets

ANS: B, C, D Frequent causes of nosebleeds include trauma, hypertension, leukemia and other blood dyscrasias, inflammation, tumor, dry air, blowing or picking the nose, cocaine use, and intranasal procedures. Diabetes, migraines, and elevated platelets and cholesterol levels do not cause epistaxis.

A registered nurse (RN) cares for clients on a surgical unit. Which clients should the RN delegate to a licensed practical nurse (LPN)? (Select all that apply.) a. A 32-year-old who had a radical neck dissection 6 hours ago b. A 43-year-old diagnosed with cancer after a lung biopsy 2 days ago c. A 55-year-old who needs discharge teaching after a laryngectomy d. A 67-year-old who is awaiting preoperative teaching for laryngeal cancer e. An 88-year-old with esophageal cancer who is awaiting gastric tube placement

ANS: B, E The nurse can delegate stable clients to the LPN. The client who had a biopsy 2 days ago and the client who is awaiting gastric tube placement are stable. The client who is 6 hours post-surgery is not yet stable. The RN is the only one who can perform discharge and preoperative teaching; teaching cannot be delegated.

A client with a bleeding gastric ulcer is having a nuclear medicine scan. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Assess the client for iodine or shellfish allergies. b. Educate the client on the side effects of sedation. c. Inform the client a second scan may be needed. d. Teach the client about bowel preparation for the scan.

ANS: C A second scan may be performed in 1 to 2 days to see if interventions have worked. The nuclear medicine scan does not use iodine-containing contrast dye or sedation. There is no required bowel preparation.

A nurse working in a geriatric clinic sees clients with cold symptoms and rhinitis. Which drug would be appropriate to teach these clients to take for their symptoms? a. Chlorpheniramine (Chlor- Trimeton) b. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) c. Fexofenadine (Allegra) d. Hydroxyzine (Vistaril)

ANS: C First-generation antihistamines are not appropriate for use in the older population. These drugs include chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, and hydroxyzine. Fexofenadine is a second-generation antihistamine

The nurse assesses the client using the device pictured below to deliver 50% O2: The nurse finds the mask fits snugly, the skin under the mask and straps is intact, and the flow rate of the oxygen is 3 L/min. What action by the nurse is best? a. Assess the clients oxygen saturation. b. Document these findings in the chart. c. Immediately increase the flow rate. d. Turn the flow rate down to 2 L/min.

ANS: C For the Venturi mask to deliver high flow of oxygen, the flow rate must be set correctly, usually between 4 and 10 L/min. The clients flow rate is too low and the nurse should increase it. After increasing the flow rate, the nurse assesses the oxygen saturation and documents the findings.

A nurse has educated a client on isoniazid (INH). What statement by the client indicates teaching has been effective? a. I need to take extra vitamin C while on INH. b. I should take this medicine with milk or juice. c. I will take this medication on an empty stomach. d. My contact lenses will be permanently stained.

ANS: C INH needs to be taken on an empty stomach, either 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Extra vitamin B needs to be taken while on the drug. Staining of contact lenses commonly occurs while taking rifampin (Rifadin)

A nurse is teaching a client about magnesium hydroxide with aluminum hydroxide (Maalox). What instruction is most appropriate? a. Aspirin must be avoided. b. Do not worry about black stools. c. Report diarrhea to your provider. d. Take 1 hour before meals.

ANS: C Maalox can cause hypermagnesemia, which causes diarrhea, so the client should be taught to report this to the provider. Aspirin is avoided with bismuth sulfate (Pepto-Bismol). Black stools can be caused by Pepto-Bismol. Maalox should be taken after meals.

For which client would the nurse suggest the provider not prescribe misoprostol (Cytotec)? a. Client taking antacids b. Client taking antibiotics c. Client who is pregnant d. Client over 65 years of age

ANS: C Misoprostol can cause abortion, so pregnant women should not take this drug. The other clients have no contraindications to taking misoprostol.

A nurse is caring for a client who has sleep apnea and is prescribed modafinil (Provigil). The client asks, How will this medication help me? How should the nurse respond? a. This medication will treat your sleep apnea. b. This sedative will help you to sleep at night. c. This medication will promote daytime wakefulness. d. This analgesic will increase comfort while you sleep.

ANS: C Modafinil is helpful for clients who have narcolepsy (uncontrollable daytime sleep) related to sleep apnea. This medication promotes daytime wakefulness.

A client is 1 day postoperative after having Zenkers diverticula removed. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction, and for the last 4 hours there has been no drainage. There are no specific care orders for the NG tube in place. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Document the findings as normal. b. Irrigate the NG tube with sterile saline. c. Notify the surgeon about this finding. d. Remove and reinsert the NG tube.

ANS: C NG tubes placed during surgery should not be irrigated or moved unless prescribed by the surgeon. The nurse should notify the surgeon about this finding. Documentation is important, but this finding is not normal.

A client has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The provider prescribes a proton pump inhibitor. About what medication should the nurse anticipate teaching the client? a. Famotidine (Pepcid) b. Magnesium hydroxide (Maalox) c. Omeprazole (Prilosec) d. Ranitidine (Zantac)

ANS: C Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used in the treatment of GERD. Famotidine and ranitidine are histamine blockers. Maalox is an antacid.

A nurse is caring for several older clients in the hospital that the nurse identifies as being at high risk for healthcare-associated pneumonia. To reduce this risk, what activity should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? a. Encourage between-meal snacks. b. Monitor temperature every 4 hours. c. Provide oral care every 4 hours. d. Report any new onset of cough.

ANS: C Oral colonization by gram-negative bacteria is a risk factor for healthcare-associated pneumonia. Good, frequent oral care can help prevent this from developing and is a task that can be delegated to the UAP. Encouraging good nutrition is important, but this will not prevent pneumonia. Monitoring temperature and reporting new cough in clients is important to detect the onset of possible pneumonia but do not prevent it.

The nurse caring for clients with gastrointestinal disorders should understand that which category best describes the mechanism of action of sucralfate (Carafate)? a. Gastric acid inhibitor b. Histamine receptor blocker c. Mucosal barrier fortifier d. Proton pump inhibitor

ANS: C Sucralfate is a mucosal barrier fortifier (protector). It is not a gastric acid inhibitor, a histamine receptor blocker, or a proton pump inhibitor.

A nurse assesses clients on the medical-surgical unit. Which client is at greatest risk for development of obstructive sleep apnea? a. A 26-year-old woman who is 8 months pregnant b. A 42-year-old man with gastroesophageal reflux disease c. A 55-year-old woman who is 50 pounds overweight d. A 73-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus

ANS: C The client at highest risk would be the one who is extremely overweight. None of the other clients have risk factors for sleep apnea.

A client has a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action by the nursing student requires the registered nurse to intervene? a. Checking tube placement every 4 to 8 hours b. Monitoring and documenting drainage from the NG tube c. Pinning the tube to the gown so the client cannot turn the head d. Providing oral care every 4 to 8 hours

ANS: C The client should be able to turn his or her head to prevent pulling the tube out with movement. The other actions are appropriate.

A nurse works on the surgical unit. After receiving the hand-off report, which client should the nurse see first? a. Client who underwent diverticula removal with a pulse of 106/min b. Client who had esophageal dilation and is attempting first postprocedure oral intake c. Client who had an esophagectomy with a respiratory rate of 32/min d. Client who underwent hernia repair, reporting incisional pain of 7/10

ANS: C The client who had an esophagectomy has a respiratory rate of 32/min, which is an early sign of sepsis; this client needs to be assessed first. The client who underwent diverticula removal has a pulse that is out of the normal range (106/min), but not terribly so. The client reporting pain needs pain medication, but the client with the elevated respiratory rate needs investigation first. The nurse should see the client who had esophageal dilation prior to and during the first attempt at oral feedings, but this can wait until the other clients are cared for.

A nurse cares for a client who is scheduled for a total laryngectomy. Which action should the nurse take prior to surgery? a. Assess airway patency, breathing, and circulation. b. Administer prescribed intravenous pain medication. c. Assist the client to choose a communication method. d. Ambulate the client in the hallway to assess gait.

ANS: C The client will not be able to speak after surgery. The nurse should assist the client to choose a communication method that he or she would like to use after surgery. Assessing the clients airway and administering IV pain medication are done after the procedure. Although ambulation promotes health and decreases the complications of any surgery, this clients gait should not be impacted by a total laryngectomy and therefore is not a priority

A client is admitted with suspected pneumonia from the emergency department. The client went to the primary care provider a few days ago and shows the nurse the results of what the client calls an allergy test, as shown below: What action by the nurse takes priority? a. Assess the client for possible items to which he or she is allergic. b. Call the primary care providers office to request records. c. Immediately place the client on Airborne Precautions. d. Prepare to begin administration of intravenous antibiotics.

ANS: C This allergy test is actually a positive tuberculosis test. The client should be placed on Airborne Precautions immediately. The other options do not take priority over preventing the spread of the disease.

A client with peptic ulcer disease is in the emergency department and reports the pain has gotten much worse over the last several days. The clients blood pressure when lying down was 122/80 mm Hg and when standing was 98/52 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Administer ibuprofen (Motrin). b. Call the Rapid Response Team. c. Start a large-bore IV with normal saline. d. Tell the client to remain lying down

ANS: C This client has orthostatic changes to the blood pressure, indicating fluid volume loss. The nurse should start a large-bore IV with isotonic solution. Ibuprofen will exacerbate the 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 priority.

A nurse in a family practice clinic is preparing discharge instructions for a client reporting facial pain that is worse when bending over, tenderness across the cheeks, and postnasal discharge. What instruction will be most helpful? a. Ice packs may help with the facial pain. b. Limit fluids to dry out your sinuses. c. Try warm, moist heat packs on your face. d. We will schedule you for a computed tomography scan this week.

ANS: C This client has rhinosinusitis. Comfort measures for this condition include breathing in warm steam, hot packs, nasal saline irrigations, sleeping with the head elevated, increased fluids, and avoiding cigarette smoke. The client does not need a CT scan.

The following data relate to an older client who is 2 hours postoperative after an esophagogastrostomy: Physical Assessment Vital Signs Physician Orders Skin dry Urine output 20 mL/hr NG tube patent with 100 mL brown drainage/hr Restless Pulse: 128 beats/min Blood pressure: 88/50 mm Hg Respiratory rate: 20 on ventilator Cardiac output: 2.1 L/min Oxygen saturation: 99% Normal saline at 75 mL/hr Morphine sulfate 2 mg IV push every 1 hr PRN pain Intake and output every hour Vital signs every hour Vancomycin (Vancocin) 1 g IV every 8 hr What action by the nurse is best? a. Administer the prescribed pain medication. b. Consult the surgeon about a different antibiotic. c. Consult the surgeon about increased IV fluids. d. Have respiratory therapy reduce the respiratory rate.

ANS: C This clients vital signs, cardiac output, dry skin, and urine output indicate hypovolemia or possible hypotension resulting from pressure placed on the posterior heart during surgery. The client needs more fluids, so the nurse should consult with the surgeon about increasing the fluid intake. The client may be restless as a result of the hypotension and may not need pain medication at this time. There is no reason to request a different antibiotic. The respiratory rate does not need to be adjusted.

A student nurse is providing tracheostomy care. What action by the student requires intervention by the instructor? a. Holding the device securely when changing ties b. Suctioning the client first if secretions are present c. Tying a square knot at the back of the neck d. Using half-strength peroxide for cleansing

ANS: C To prevent pressure ulcers and for client safety, when ties are used that must be knotted, the knot should be placed at the side of the clients neck, not in back. The other actions are appropriate.

A client had an oral tumor removed this morning and now has a tracheostomy. What action by the nurse is the priority? a. Delegate oral care every 4 hours. b. Monitor and record the clients intake. c. Place the client in a high-Fowlers position. d. Remove the inner cannula for cleaning.

ANS: C To promote airway clearance, this client should be placed in a semi- or high-Fowlers position. Oral care can be delegated, but that is not the priority. Intake and output should also be recorded but again is not the priority. The inner cannula may or may not need to be cleaned, and the tracheostomy may or may not have a disposable cannula.

A nurse working with a client who has possible gastritis assesses the clients gastrointestinal system. Which findings indicate a chronic condition as opposed to acute gastritis? (Select all that apply.) a. Anorexia b. Dyspepsia c. Intolerance of fatty foods d. Pernicious anemia e. Nausea and vomiting

ANS: 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.

A nurse is assessing a client who has suffered a nasal fracture. Which assessment should the nurse perform first? a. Facial pain b. Vital signs c. Bone displacement d. Airway patency

ANS: D A patent airway is the priority. The nurse first should make sure that the airway is patent and then should determine whether the client is in pain and whether bone displacement or blood loss has occurred.

After hiatal hernia repair surgery, a client is on IV pantoprazole (Protonix). The client asks the nurse why this medication is given since there is no history of ulcers. What response by the nurse is best? a. Bacteria can often cause ulcers. b. This operation often causes ulcers. c. The medication keeps your blood pH low. d. It prevents stress-related ulcers

ANS: D After surgery, anti-ulcer medications such as pantoprazole are often given to prevent stress-related ulcers. The other responses are incorrect.

A client is scheduled for a total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. What preoperative laboratory result should the nurse report to the surgeon immediately? a. Albumin: 2.1 g/dL b. Hematocrit: 28% c. Hemoglobin: 8.1 mg/dL d. International normalized ratio (INR): 4.2

ANS: D An INR as high as 4.2 poses a serious risk of bleeding during the operation and should be reported. The albumin is low and is an expected finding. The hematocrit and hemoglobin are also low, but this is expected in gastric cancer.

A nurse assesses a client who reports waking up feeling very tired, even after 8 hours of good sleep. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Contact the provider for a prescription for sleep medication. b. Tell the client not to drink beverages with caffeine before bed. c. Educate the client to sleep upright in a reclining chair. d. Ask the client if he or she has ever been evaluated for sleep apnea.

ANS: D Clients are usually unaware that they have sleep apnea, but it should be suspected in people who have persistent daytime sleepiness and report waking up tired. Causes of the problem should be assessed before the client is offered suggestions for treatment.

A female client hospitalized for an unrelated problem has a large pearly-white lesion on her lip, to which she continues to apply lipstick that she will not remove for inspection. The client refuses to discuss the lesion with the nurse or health care provider. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the client why her appearance is so important. b. Ignore the lesion since the client will not discuss it. c. Inform the client that early-stage cancer is curable. d. Work with the client to establish a trusting relationship.

ANS: D Clients with oral cancers often have body image difficulties due to the location of the tumor or the results of surgical treatment. This client appears to be using denial to cope with this problem. The nurse should work to establish a helping-trusting relationship in hopes that the client will be amenable to future discussions about the lesion. Asking why questions often puts people on the defensive and should be avoided. Ignoring the lesion is not being an advocate for the client. Education is important, but right now the client is in denial, so this information will not seem relevant to her.

A client is being discharged on long-term therapy for tuberculosis (TB). What referral by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Community social worker for Meals on Wheels b. Occupational therapy for job retraining c. Physical therapy for homebound therapy services d. Visiting Nurses for directly observed therapy

ANS: D Directly observed therapy is often utilized for managing clients with TB in the community. Meals on Wheels, job retraining, and home therapy may or may not be appropriate.

A client has been admitted for suspected inhalation anthrax infection. What question by the nurse is most important? a. Are any family members also ill? b. Have you traveled recently? c. How long have you been ill? d. What is your occupation?

ANS: D Inhalation anthrax is rare and is an occupational hazard among people who work with animal wool, bone meal, hides, and skin, such as taxidermists and veterinarians. Inhalation anthrax seen in someone without an occupational risk is considered a bioterrorism event and must be reported to authorities immediately. The other questions are appropriate for anyone with an infection.

A client is in the family practice clinic reporting a severe cold that started 4 days ago. On examination, the nurse notes the client also has a severe headache and muscle aches. What action by the nurse is best? a. Educate the client on oseltamivir (Tamiflu). b. Facilitate admission to the hospital. c. Instruct the client to have a flu vaccine. d. Teach the client to sneeze in the upper sleeve.

ANS: D Sneezing and coughing into ones sleeve helps prevent the spread of upper respiratory infections. The client does have manifestations of the flu (influenza), but it is too late to start antiviral medications; to be effective, they must be started within 24 to 48 hours of symptom onset. The client does not need hospital admission. The client should be instructed to have a flu vaccination, but now that he or she has the flu, vaccination will have to wait until next year.

A client has returned to the nursing unit after an open Nissen fundoplication. The client has an indwelling urinary catheter, a nasogastric (NG) tube to low continuous suction, and two IVs. The nurse notes bright red blood in the NG tube. What action should the nurse take first? a. Document the findings in the chart. b. Notify the surgeon immediately. c. Reassess the drainage in 1 hour. d. Take a full set of vital signs.

ANS: D The drainage in the NG tube should initially be brown with old blood. The presence of bright red blood indicates bleeding. The nurse should take a set of vital signs to assess for shock and then notify the surgeon. Documentation should occur but is not the first thing the nurse should do. The nurse should not wait an additional hour to reassess.

A nurse cares for a client who has packing inserted for posterior nasal bleeding. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Assess the clients pain level. b. Keep the clients head elevated. c. Teach the client about the causes of nasal bleeding. d. Make sure the string is taped to the clients cheek.

ANS: D The string should be attached to the clients cheek to hold the packing in place. The nurse needs to make sure that this does not move because it can occlude the clients airway. The other options are good interventions, but ensuring that the airway is patent is the priority objective.

A nurse is assessing a client who has a tracheostomy. The nurse notes that the tracheostomy tube is pulsing with the heartbeat as the clients pulse is being taken. No other abnormal findings are noted. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Call the operating room to inform them of a pending emergency case. b. No action is needed at this time; this is a normal finding in some clients. c. Remove the tracheostomy tube; ventilate the client with a bag-valve-mask. d. Stay with the client and have someone else call the provider immediately.

ANS: D This client may have a tracheainnominate artery fistula, which can be a life-threatening emergency if the artery is breached and the client begins to hemorrhage. Since no bleeding is yet present, the nurse stays with the client and asks someone else to notify the provider. If the client begins hemorrhaging, the nurse removes the tracheostomy and applies pressure at the bleeding site. The client will need to be prepared for surgery.

A client is being taught about drug therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection. What assessment by the nurse is most important? a. Alcohol intake of 1 to 2 drinks per week b. Family history of H. pylori infection c. Former smoker still using nicotine patches d. Willingness to adhere to drug therapy

ANS: D Treatment for this infection involves either triple or quadruple drug therapy, which may make it difficult for clients to remain adherent. The nurse should assess the clients willingness and ability to follow the regimen. The other assessment findings are not as critical.

A client has the diagnosis of valley fever accompanied by myalgias and arthralgias. What treatment should the nurse educate the client on? a. Intravenous amphotericin B b. Long-term antiinflammatories c. No specific treatment d. Oral fluconazole (Diflucan)

ANS: D Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is a fungal infection. Many people do not need treatment and the disease resolves on its own. However, the presence of joint and muscle pain indicates a moderate infection that needs treatment with antifungal medications. IV amphotericin is reserved for pregnant women and those with severe infection. Anti-inflammatory medications may be used to treat muscle aches and pain but are not used long term.