Upper GI - Lippincotts

The nurse is preparing a community presentation on oral cancer. Which of the following is a primary risk factor for oral cancer that the nurse should include in the presentation? 1. Use of alcohol. 2. Frequent use of mouthwash. 3. Lack of vitamin B12. 4. Lack of regular teeth cleaning by a dentist.

1. Chronic and excessive use of alcohol can lead to oral cancer. Smoking and use of smokeless tobacco are other significant risk factors. Additional risk factors include chronic irritation such as a broken tooth or ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, overexposure to sun (lip cancer), and syphilis. Use of mouthwash, lack of vitamin B12, and lack of regular teeth cleaning appointments have not been implicated as primary risk factors for oral cancer.

The nurse is caring for a client who has just had an upper GI endoscopy. The client's vital signs must be taken every 30 minutes for 2 hours after the procedure. The nurse assigns an unlicensed nursing personnel (UAP) to take the vital signs. One hour later, the UAP reports the client, who was previously afebrile, has developed a temperature of 101.8 ° F (38.8 ° C). What should the nurse do in response to this reported assessment data? 1. Promptly assess the client for potential perforation. 2. Tell the assistant to change thermometers and retake the temperature. 3. Plan to give the client acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower the temperature. 4. Ask the assistant to bathe the client with tepid water.

1. A sudden spike in temperature following an endoscopic procedure may indicate perforation of the GI tract. The nurse should promptly conduct a further assessment of the client, looking for further indicators of perforation, such as a sudden onset of acute upper abdominal pain; a rigid, boardlike abdomen; and developing signs of shock. Telling the assistant to change thermometers is not an appropriate action and only further delays the appropriate action of assessing the client. The nurse would not administer acetaminophen without further assessment of the client or without a physician's order; a suspected perforation would require that the client be placed on nothing-by-mouth status. Asking the assistant to bathe the client before any assessment by the nurse is inappropriate.

Which of the following dietary measures would be useful in preventing esophageal reflux? 1. Eating small, frequent meals. 2. Increasing fluid intake. 3. Avoiding air swallowing with meals. 4. Adding a bedtime snack to the dietary plan.

1. Esophageal reflux worsens when the stomach is overdistended with food. Therefore, an important measure is to eat small, frequent meals. Fluid intake should be decreased during meals to reduce abdominal distention. Avoiding air swallowing does not prevent esophageal reflux. Food intake in the evening should be strictly limited to reduce the incidence of nighttime reflux, so bedtime snacks are not recommended.

The nurse is obtaining a health history from a client who has a sliding hiatal hernia associated with reflux. The nurse should ask the client about the presence of which of the following symptoms? 1. Heartburn. 2. Jaundice. 3. Anorexia. 4. Stomatitis.

1. Heartburn, the most common symptom of a sliding hiatal hernia, results from reflux of gastric secretions into the esophagus. Regurgitation of gastric contents and dysphagia are other common symptoms. Jaundice, which results from a high concentration of bilirubin in the blood, is not associated with hiatal hernia. Anorexia is not a typical symptom of hiatal hernia. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mouth.

A client has returned from surgery during which her jaws were wired as treatment for a fractured mandible. The client is in stable condition. The nurse is instructing the unliscensed nursing personnel (UAP) on how to properly position the client. Which instructions about positioning would be appropriate for the nurse to give the UAP? 1. Keep the client in a side-lying position with the head slightly elevated. 2. Do not reposition the client without the assistance of a registered nurse. 3. The client can assume any position that is comfortable. 4. Keep the client's head elevated on two pillows at all times.

1. Immediately after surgery the client should be placed on the side with the head slightly elevated. This position helps facilitate removal of secretions and decreases the likelihood of aspiration should vomiting occur. A registered nurse does not need to be present to reposition the client, unless the client's condition warrants the presence of the nurse. Although it is important to elevate the head, there is no need to keep the client's head elevated on two pillows unless that position is comfortable for the client.

The physician prescribes metoclopramide hydrochloride (Reglan) for the client with hiatal hernia. The nurse plans to instruct the client that this drug is used in hiatal hernia therapy to accomplish which of the following objectives? 1. Increase tone of the esophageal sphincter. 2. Neutralize gastric secretions. 3. Delay gastric emptying. 4. Reduce secretion of digestive juices.

1. Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Reglan) increases esophageal sphincter tone and facilitates gastric emptying; both actions reduce the incidence of reflux. Other drugs, such as antacids or histamine receptor antagonists, may also be prescribed to help control reflux and esophagitis and to decrease or neutralize gastric secretions. Reglan is not effective in decreasing or neutralizing gastric secretions.

The nurse is developing standards of care for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease and wants to review current evidence for practice. Which one of the following resources will provide the most helpful information? 1. A review in the Cochrane Library. 2. A literature search in a database, such as the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINHAL). 3. An online nursing textbook. 4. The online policy and procedure manual at the health care agency.

1. The Cochrane Library provides systematic reviews of health care interventions and will provide the best resource for evidence for nursing care. CINHAL offers key word searches to published articles in nursing and allied health literature, but not reviews. A nursing textbook has information about nursing care which may include evidence-based practices, but textbooks may not have the most up-to-date information. While the policy and procedure manual may be based on evidence-based practices, the most current practices will be found in evidence-based reviews of literature.

The client is scheduled to have an upper gastrointestinal tract series of x-rays. Following the x-rays, the nurse should instruct the client to: 1. Take a laxative. 2. Follow a clear liquid diet. 3. Administer an enema. 4. Take an antiemetic.

1. The client should take a laxative after an upper gastrointestinal series to stimulate a bowel movement. This examination involves the administration of barium, which must be promptly eliminated from the body because it may harden and cause an obstruction. A clear liquid diet would have no effect on stimulating removal of the barium. The client should not have nausea and an antiemetic would not be necessary; additionally, the antiemetic will decrease peristalsis and increase the likelihood of eliminating the barium. An enema would be ineffective because the barium is too high in the gastrointestinal tract.

The nurse finds a client who has been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer surrounded by papers from his briefcase and arguing on the telephone with a coworker. The nurse's response to observing these actions should be based on knowledge that: 1. Involvement with his job will keep the client from becoming bored. 2. A relaxed environment will promote ulcer healing. 3. Not keeping up with his job will increase the client's stress level. 4. Setting limits on the client's behavior is an important nursing responsibility.

2. A relaxed environment is an essential component of ulcer healing. Nurses can help clients understand the importance of relaxation and explore with them ways to balance work and family demands to promote healing. Being involved with his work may prevent boredom; however, this client is upset and argumentative. Not keeping up with his job will probably increase the client's stress level, but the nurse's response is best if it is based on the fact that a relaxed environment is an essential component of ulcer healing. Nurses cannot set limits on a client's behavior; clients must make the decision to make lifestyle changes.

Which of the following factors would most likely contribute to the development of a client's hiatal hernia? 1. Having a sedentary desk job. 2. Being 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighing 190 lb. 3. Using laxatives frequently. 4. Being 40 years old.

2. Any factor that increases intra-abdominal pressure, such as obesity, can contribute to the development of hiatal hernia. Other factors include abdominal straining, frequent heavy lifting, and pregnancy. Hiatal hernia is also associated with older age and occurs in women more frequently than in men. Having a sedentary desk job, using laxatives frequently, or being 40 years old is not likely to be a contributing factor in development of a hiatal hernia.

In developing a teaching plan for the client with a hiatal hernia, the nurse's assessment of which work-related factors would be most useful? 1. Number and length of breaks. 2. Body mechanics used in lifting. 3. Temperature in the work area. 4. Cleaning solvents used.

2. Bending, especially after eating, can cause gastroesophageal reflux. Lifting heavy objects increases intra-abdominal pressure. Assessing the client's lifting techniques enables the nurse to evaluate the client's knowledge of factors contributing to hiatal hernia and how to prevent complications. Number and length of breaks, temperature in the work area, and cleaning solvents used are not directly related to treatment of hiatal hernia.

Bethanechol (Urecholine) has been ordered for a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The nurse should assess the client for which of the following adverse effects? 1. Constipation. 2. Urinary urgency. 3. Hypertension. 4. Dry oral mucosa.

2. Bethanechol (Urecholine), a cholinergic drug, may be used in GERD to increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure and facilitate gastric emptying. Cholinergic adverse effects may include urinary urgency, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, hypotension, and increased salivation. To avoid these adverse effects, the client should be closely monitored to establish the minimum effective dose.

A client with peptic ulcer disease tells the nurse that he has black stools, which he has not reported to his physician. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client? 1. Ineffective coping related to fear of diagnosis of chronic illness. 2. Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms. 3. Constipation related to decreased gastric motility. 4. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to gastric bleeding.

2. Black, tarry stools are an important warning sign of bleeding in peptic ulcer disease. Digested blood in the stool causes it to be black. The odor of the stool is very offensive. Clients with peptic ulcer disease should be instructed to report the incidence of black stools promptly to their primary health care provider. The data do not support the other diagnoses.

Which of the following lifestyle modifications should the nurse encourage the client with a hiatal hernia to include in activities of daily living? 1. Daily aerobic exercise. 2. Eliminating smoking and alcohol use. 3. Balancing activity and rest. 4. Avoiding high-stress situations.

2. Smoking and alcohol use both reduce esophageal sphincter tone and can result in reflux. They therefore should be avoided by clients with hiatal hernia. Daily aerobic exercise, balancing activity and rest, and avoiding high-stress situations may increase the client's general health and well-being, but they are not directly associated with hiatal hernia.

Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client who is experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? 1. Limit caffeine intake to two cups of coffee per day. 2. Do not lie down for 2 hours after eating. 3. Follow a low-protein diet. 4. Take medications with milk to decrease irritation.

2. The nurse should instruct the client to not lie down for about 2 hours after eating to prevent reflux. Caffeinated beverages decrease pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and milk increases gastric acid secretion, so these beverages should be avoided. The client is encouraged to follow a high-protein, low-fat diet, and avoid foods that are irritating.

A client who was in a motor vehicle accident has a fractured mandible. Surgery has been performed to immobilize the injury by wiring the jaw. In the immediate postoperative phase, the nurse should: 1. Prevent nausea and vomiting. 2. Maintain a patent airway. 3. Provide frequent oral hygiene. 4. Establish a way for the client to communicate.

2. The priority of care in the immediate postoperative phase is to maintain a patent airway. The nurse should observe the client carefully for signs of respiratory distress. If the client becomes nauseated, antiemetics should be administered to decrease the chance of vomiting with obstruction of the airway and aspiration of vomitus. Providing frequent oral hygiene and an alternative means of communication are important aspects of nursing care, but maintaining a patent airway is most important.

As a result of a gastric resection, the client is at risk for development of dumping syndrome. The nurse should prepare a plan of care for this client based on knowledge that this problem stems primarily from which of the following gastrointestinal changes? 1. Excess secretion of digestive enzymes in the intestines. 2. Rapid emptying of stomach contents into the small intestine. 3. Excess glycogen production by the liver. 4. Loss of gastric enzymes.

2. After a gastric resection, ingested food moves rapidly from the remaining stomach into the duodenum or jejunum. The food has not undergone adequate preliminary digestion in the stomach. It is concentrated (hypertonic), distends the intestine, and stimulates significant secretion of insulin by the pancreas, as well as a shift of fluid into the bowel. The dumping syndrome results from these factors, which are initiated by the rapid movement of food out of the stomach. After gastric resection, excess digestive enzymes are not secreted and the liver does not produce glycogen. Dumping syndrome is not caused by loss of gastric secretions.

As part of the client's discharge planning after a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse has identified Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements as a major nursing diagnosis. To help the client meet nutritional goals at home, the nurse should develop a plan of care that includes which of the following interventions? 1. Instruct the client to increase the amount eaten at each meal. 2. Encourage the client to eat smaller amounts more frequently. 3. Explain that if vomiting occurs after a meal, nothing more should be eaten that day. 4. Inform the client that bland foods are typically less nutritional and should be used minimally.

2. Because of the client's reduced stomach capacity, frequent small feedings are recommended. Early satiety can result, and large quantities of food are not well tolerated. Each client should progress at his or her own pace, gradually increasing the amount of food eaten. The goal is three meals daily if possible, but this can take 6 months or longer to achieve. Nausea can be episodic and can result from eating too fast or eating too much at one time. Eating less and eating more slowly, rather than not eating at all, can be a solution. Bland foods are recommended as starting foods because they are easily digested and are less irritating to the healing mucosa. Bland foods are not less nutritional.

A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel) 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client's constipation? 1. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet. 2. The client needs to increase his daily exercise. 3. The client is experiencing an adverse effect of the aluminum hydroxide. 4. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.

3. It is most likely that the client is experiencing an adverse effect of the antacid. Antacids with aluminum salt products, such as aluminum hydroxide, form insoluble salts in the body. These precipitate and accumulate in the intestines, causing constipation. Increasing dietary fiber intake or daily exercise may be a beneficial lifestyle change for the client but is not likely to relieve the constipation caused by the aluminum hydroxide. Constipation, in isolation from other symptoms, is not a sign of a bowel obstruction.

Which of the following nursing interventions would most likely promote self-care behaviors in the client with a hiatal hernia? 1. Introduce the client to other people who are successfully managing their care. 2. Include the client's daughter in the teaching so that she can help implement the plan. 3. Ask the client to identify other situations in which he demonstrated responsibility for himself. 4. Reassure the client that he will be able to implement all aspects of the plan successfully.

3. Self-responsibility is the key to individual health maintenance. Using examples of situations in which the client has demonstrated self-responsibility can be reinforcing and supporting. The client has ultimate responsibility for his personal health habits. Meeting other people who are managing their care and involving family members can be helpful, but individual motivation is more important. Reassurance can be helpful but is less important than individualization of care.

During the assessment of a client's mouth, the nurse notes the absence of saliva. The client has pain in the area of the ear. The client has been nothing-by-mouth (NPO) for several days because of the insertion of a nasogastric tube. Based on these findings, the nurse suspects that the client may be developing which of the following mouth conditions? 1. Stomatitis. 2. Oral candidiasis. 3. Parotitis. 4. Gingivitis.

3. The lack of saliva, pain near the area of the ear, and the prolonged NPO status of the client should lead the nurse to suspect the development of parotitis, or inflammation of the parotid gland. Parotitis usually develops in cases of dehydration combined with poor oral hygiene or when clients have been NPO for an extended period. Preventive measures include the use of sugarless hard candy or gum to stimulate saliva production, adequate hydration, and frequent mouth care. Stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) produces excessive salivation and a sore mouth. Oral candidiasis (thrush) causes bluish white mouth lesions. Gingivitis can be recognized by the inflamed gingiva and bleeding that occur during toothbrushing.

The client has been taking magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) at home in an attempt to control hiatal hernia symptoms. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following conditions most commonly associated with the ongoing use of magnesium-based antacids? 1. Anorexia. 2. Weight gain. 3. Diarrhea. 4. Constipation.

3. The magnesium salts in magnesium hydroxide are related to those found in laxatives and may cause diarrhea. Aluminum salt products can cause constipation. Many clients find that a combination product is required to maintain normal bowel elimination. The use of magnesium hydroxide does not cause anorexia or weight gain.

A client who has had her jaws wired begins to vomit. What should be the nurse's first action? 1. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube and connect it to suction. 2. Use wire cutters to cut the wire. 3. Suction the client's airway as needed. 4. Administer an antiemetic intravenously.

3. The nurse's first action is to clear the client's airway as necessary. Inserting an NG tube or administering an antiemetic may prevent future vomiting episodes, but these procedures are not helpful when the client is actually vomiting. Cutting the wires is done only as a last resort or in case of respiratory or cardiac arrest.

A client who has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) complains of heartburn. To decrease the heartburn, the nurse should instruct the client to eliminate which of the following items from the diet? 1. Lean beef. 2. Air-popped popcorn. 3. Hot chocolate. 4. Raw vegetables.

3. With GERD, eating substances that decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure causes heartburn. A decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter pressure allows gastric contents to reflux into the lower end of the esophagus. Foods that can cause a decrease in esophageal sphincter pressure include fatty foods, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, peppermint, and alcohol. A diet high in protein and low in fat is recommended for clients with GERD. Lean beef, popcorn, and raw vegetables would be acceptable.

Following a gastrectomy, the nurse should postion the client in which of the following positions? 1. Prone. 2. Supine. 3. Low Fowler's. 4. Right or left Sims.

3. A client who has had abdominal surgery is best placed in a low Fowler's position postoperatively. This positioning relaxes abdominal muscles and provides for maximum respiratory and cardiovascular function. The prone, supine, or Sims position would not be tolerated by a client who has had abdominal surgery, nor do those positions support respiratory or cardiovascular functioning.

After a subtotal gastrectomy, care of the client's nasogastric (NG) tube and drainage system should include which of the following nursing interventions? 1. Irrigate the tube with 30 mL of sterile water every hour, if needed. 2. Reposition the tube if it is not draining well. 3. Monitor the client for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. 4. Turn the machine to high suction if the drainage is sluggish on low suction.

3. Nausea, vomiting, or abdominal distention indicates that gas and secretions are accumulating within the gastric pouch due to impaired peristalsis or edema at the operative site and may indicate that the drainage system is not working properly. Saline solution is used to irrigate NG tubes. Hypotonic solutions such as water increase electrolyte loss. In addition, a physician's order is needed to irrigate the NG tube because this procedure could disrupt the suture line. After gastric surgery, only the surgeon repositions the NG tube because of the danger of rupturing or dislodging the suture line. The amount of suction varies with the type of tube used and is ordered by the physician. High suction may create too much tension on the gastric suture line.

The client tells the nurse that since his diagnosis of stomach cancer, he has been having trouble sleeping and is frequently preoccupied with thoughts about how his life will change. He says, "I wish my life could stay the same." Based on this information, which one of the following nursing diagnoses would be appropriate at this time? 1. Ineffective coping related to the diagnosis of cancer. 2. Insomnia related to fear of the unknown. 3. Grieving related to the diagnosis of cancer. 4. Anxiety related to the need for gastric surgery.

3. The information presented most clearly supports a nursing diagnosis of Grieving. The feelings expressed in this situation are more related to grieving about the changes that will occur in the client's life as a result of the diagnosis of gastric cancer than to fear of the unknown or anxiety about the surgery. There is no evidence of ineffective coping at this time.

A client has entered a smoking cessation program to quit a two-pack-a-day cigarette habit. He tells the nurse that he has not smoked a cigarette for 3 weeks, but is afraid he is going to "slip up" and smoke because of current job pressures. What would be the most appropriate reply for the nurse to make in response to the client's comments? 1. "Don't worry about it. Everybody has difficulty quitting smoking, and you should expect to as well." 2. "If you increase your self-control, I am sure you will be able to avoid smoking." 3. "Try taking a couple of days of vacation to relieve the stress of your job." 4. "It is good that you can talk about your concerns. Try calling a friend when you want to smoke."

4. It is important for individuals who are engaged in smoking cessation efforts to feel comfortable with sharing their fears of failure with others and seeking support. Although fewer than 5% of smokers successfully quit on their first attempt, it is not helpful to tell a client that he should anticipate failure. Telling the client to exercise more self-control does not provide him with support. Taking a vacation to avoid job pressures does not address the issue of fearing he will smoke a cigarette when in a stressful situation.

A client is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood and is diagnosed with a bleeding duodenal ulcer. The client develops a sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric region along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen. These clinical manifestations most likely indicate which of the following? 1. An intestinal obstruction has developed. 2. Additional ulcers have developed. 3. The esophagus has become inflamed. 4. The ulcer has perforated.

4. The body reacts to perforation of an ulcer by immobilizing the area as much as possible. This results in boardlike abdominal rigidity, usually with extreme pain. Perforation is a medical emergency requiring immediate surgical intervention because peritonitis develops quickly after perforation. An intestinal obstruction would not cause midepigastric pain. The development of additional ulcers or esophageal inflammation would not cause a rigid, boardlike abdomen.

One month following a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer, the nurse is evaluating the nursing care goal related to nutrition. Which of the following indicates that the client has attained the goal? The client has: 1. Regained weight loss. 2. Resumed normal dietary intake of three meals a day. 3. Controlled nausea and vomiting through regular use of antiemetics. 4. Achieved optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings.

4. An appropriate expected outcome is for the client to achieve optimal nutritional status through the use of oral feedings or total parenteral nutrition (TPN). TPN may be used to supplement oral intake, or it may be used alone if the client can¬not tolerate oral feedings. The client would not be expected to regain lost weight within 1 month after surgery or to tolerate a normal dietary intake of three meals a day. Nausea and vomiting would not be con¬sidered an expected outcome of gastric surgery, and regular use of antiemetics would not be anticipated.

To reduce the risk of dumping syndrome, the nurse should teach the client to do which of the following? 1. Sit upright for 30 minutes after meals. 2. Drink liquids with meals, avoiding caffeine. 3. Avoid milk and other dairy products. 4. Decrease the carbohydrate content of meals.

4. Carbohydrates are restricted, but protein, including meat and dairy products, is recommended because it is digested more slowly. Lying down for 30 minutes after a meal is encouraged to slow movement of the food bolus. Fluids are restricted to reduce the bulk of food. There is no need to avoid caffeine.

A client who is recovering from a subtotal gastrectomy experiences dumping syndrome. The client asks the nurse, "When will I be able to eat three meals a day again like I used to?" Which of the following responses by the nurse is most appropriate? 1. "Eating six meals a day is time-consuming, isn't it?" 2. "You will have to eat six small meals a day for the rest of your life." 3. "You will be able to tolerate three meals a day before you are discharged." 4. "Most clients can resume their normal meal patterns in about 6 to 12 months."

4. The symptoms related to dumping syn¬drome that occur after a gastrectomy usually disap¬pear by 6 to 12 months after surgery. Most clients can begin to resume normal meal patterns after signs of the dumping syndrome have stopped. Acknowl¬edging that eating six meals a day is time-consuming does not address the client's question and makes an assumption about the client's concerns. It is not necessarily true that a six-meal-a-day dietary pattern will be required for the rest of the client's life. Cli¬ents will not be able to eat three meals a day before hospital discharge.

A client with a peptic ulcer reports epigastric pain that frequently awakens her during the night. The nurse should instruct the client to do which activities? Select all that apply. 1. Obtain adequate rest to reduce stimulation. 2. Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day. 3. Take all medications on time as ordered. 4. Sit up for one hour when awakened at night. 5. Stay away from crowded areas.

1, 2, 3, 4. The nurse should encourage the client to reduce stimulation that may enhance gastric secretion. The nurse can also advise the client to utilize health practices that will prevent recurrences of ulcer pain, such as avoiding fatigue and elimination of smoking. Eating small, frequent meals helps to prevent gastric distention if not actively bleeding and decreases distension and release of gastrin. Medications should be administered promptly to maintain optimum levels. After awakening during the night, the client should eat a small snack and return to bed, keeping the head of the bed elevated for an hour after eating. It is not necessary to stay away from crowded areas.

The nurse instructs the client on health maintenance activities to help control symptoms from her hiatal hernia. Which of the following statements would indicate that the client has understood the instructions? 1. "I'll avoid lying down after a meal." 2. "I can still enjoy my potato chips and cola at bedtime." 3. "I wish I didn't have to give up swimming." 4. "If I wear a girdle, I'll have more support for my stomach."

1. A client with a hiatal hernia should avoid the recumbent position immediately after meals to minimize gastric reflux. Bedtime snacks, as well as high-fat foods and carbonated beverages, should be avoided. Excessive vigorous exercise also should be avoided, especially after meals, but there is no reason why the client must give up swimming. Wearing tight, constrictive clothing such as a girdle can increase intra-abdominal pressure and thus lead to reflux of gastric juices.

A nurse is admitting a client who has been admitted with a diagnosis of upper GI bleeding to the hosptial. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following? Select all that apply. 1. Dry, flushed skin. 2. Decreased urine output. 3. Tachycardia. 4. Widening pulse pressure. 5. Rapid respirations. 6. Thirst.

2, 3, 5, 6. The client who is experiencing upper GI bleeding is at risk for developing hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Therefore, the signs and symptoms the nurse should expect to find are those related to hypovolemia, including decreased urine output, tachycardia, rapid respirations, and thirst. The client's skin would be cool and clammy, not dry and flushed. The client would also be likely to develop hypotension, which would lead to a narrowing pulse pressure, not a widening pulse pressure.

Which of the following would be an expected outcome for a client with peptic ulcer disease? The client will: 1. Demonstrate appropriate use of analgesics to control pain. 2. Explain the rationale for eliminating alcohol from the diet. 3. Verbalize the importance of monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit every 3 months. 4. Eliminate contact sports from his or her lifestyle.

2. Alcohol is a gastric irritant that should be eliminated from the intake of the client with peptic ulcer disease. Analgesics are not used to control ulcer pain; many analgesics are gastric irritants. The client's hemoglobin and hematocrit typically do not need to be monitored every 3 months, unless gastrointestinal bleeding is suspected. The client can maintain an active lifestyle and does not need to eliminate contact sports as long as they are not stress-inducing.

The client asks the nurse whether he will need surgery to correct his hiatal hernia. Which reply by the nurse would be most accurate? 1. "Surgery is usually required, although medical treatment is attempted first." 2. "Hiatal hernia symptoms can usually be successfully managed with diet modifications, medications, and lifestyle changes." 3. "Surgery is not performed for this type of hernia." 4. "A minor surgical procedure to reduce the size of the diaphragmatic opening will probably be planned."

2. Most clients can be treated successfully with a combination of diet restrictions, medications, weight control, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery to correct a hiatal hernia, which commonly produces complications, is performed only when medical therapy fails to control the symptoms.

The nurse has been assigned to provide care for four clients at the beginning of the day shift. In what order should the nurse assess these clients? 1. The client awaiting hiatal hernia repair at 11 am. 2. A client with suspected gastric cancer who is on nothing-by-mouth (NPO) status for tests. 3. A client with peptic ulcer disease experiencing sudden onset of acute stomach pain. 4. A client who is requesting pain medication 2 days after surgery to repair a fractured jaw.

3, 4, 2, 1 The client with peptic ulcer disease who is experiencing a sudden onset of acute stomach pain should be assessed first by the nurse. The sudden onset of stomach pain could be indicative of a perforated ulcer, which would require immediate medical attention. It is also important for the nurse to thoroughly assess the nature of the client's pain. The client with the fractured jaw is experiencing pain and should be assessed next. The nurse should then assess the client who is NPO for tests to ensure NPO status and comfort. Last, the nurse can assess the client before surgery.

When obtaining a nursing history on a client with a suspected gastric ulcer, which signs and symptoms should the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply. 1. Epigastric pain at night. 2. Relief of epigastric pain after eating. 3. Vomiting. 4. Weight loss. 5. Melena.

3, 4, 5. Vomiting and weight loss are common with gastric ulcers. The client may also have blood in the stools (melena) from gastric bleeding. Clients with a gastric ulcer are most likely to complain of a burning epigastric pain that occurs about 1 hour after eating. Eating frequently aggravates the pain. Clients with duodenal ulcers are more likely to complain about pain that occurs during the night and is frequently relieved by eating.

A client is to take one daily dose of ranitidine (Zantac) at home to treat her peptic ulcer. The client understands proper drug administration of ranitidine when she says that she will take the drug at which of the following times? 1. Before meals. 2. With meals. 3. At bedtime. 4. When pain occurs.

3. Ranitidine blocks secretion of hydrochloric acid. Clients who take only one daily dose of ranitidine are usually advised to take it at bedtime to inhibit nocturnal secretion of acid. Clients who take the drug twice a day are advised to take it in the morning and at bedtime. It is not necessary to take the drug before meals. The client should take the drug regularly, not just when pain occurs.

A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid? 1. "I should take my antacid before I take my other medications." 2. "I need to decrease my intake of fluids so that I don't dilute the effects of my antacid." 3. "My antacid will be most effective if I take it whenever I experience stomach pains." 4. "It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals."

4. Antacids are most effective if taken 1 to 3 hours after meals and at bedtime. When an antacid is taken on an empty stomach, the duration of the drug's action is greatly decreased. Taking antacids 1 to 3 hours after a meal lengthens the duration of action, thus increasing the therapeutic action of the drug. Antacids should be administered about 2 hours after other medications to decrease the chance of drug interactions. It is not necessary to decrease fluid intake when taking antacids. If antacids are taken more frequently than recommended, the likelihood of developing adverse effects increases. Therefore, the client should not take antacids as often as desired to control pain.

Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a client who has stomatitis? 1. Drinking hot tea at frequent intervals. 2. Gargling with antiseptic mouthwash. 3. Using an electric toothbrush. 4. Eating a soft, bland diet.

4. Clients with stomatitis (inflammation of the mouth) have significant discomfort, which impacts their ability to eat and drink. They will be most comfortable eating soft, bland foods, and avoiding temperature extremes in their food and liquids. Gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash will be irritating to the mucosa. Mouth care should include gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush and flossing.

A client with a peptic ulcer has been instructed to avoid intense physical activity and stress. Which strategy should the client incorporate into the home care plan? 1. Conduct physical activity in the morning so that he can rest in the afternoon. 2. Have the family agree to perform the necessary yard work at home. 3. Give up jogging and substitute a less demanding hobby. 4. Incorporate periods of physical and mental rest in his daily schedule.

4. It would be most effective for the client to develop a health maintenance plan that incorporates regular periods of physical and mental rest in the daily schedule. Strategies should be identified to deal with the types of physical and mental stressors that the client needs to cope with in the home and work environments. Scheduling physical activity to occur only in the morning would not be restful or practical. There is no need for the client to avoid yard work or jogging if these activities are not stressful.

A nurse teaches a client experiencing heartburn to take 1 ½ oz of Maalox when symptoms appear. How many milliliters should the client take? ________________________ mL. .

45 mL

Amoxicillin trihydrate (Amoxil) 300 mg P.O. has been prescribed for a client with an oral infection. The medication is available in a liquid suspension that is available as 250 mg/ 5 mL. How many milliliters would the nurse administer? ________________________ mL.

6 mL. To administer 300 mg P.O., the nurse will need to administer 6 mL. The following formula is used to calculate the correct dosage: 300 mg/ X mL = 250 mg/ 5 mL.

The nurse is teaching a group of teenage boys who are on a baseball team about the risks of chewing tobacco. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the teenagers to report to their parents and physicians? Select all that apply. 1. Dysphagia. 2. Sensitive teeth. 3. Unexplained mouth pain. 4. Lump in the neck. 5. Decreased saliva. 6. White patch on the mucosa.

1, 3, 4, 6. Chewing tobacco has become a more common practice among teenagers. It is important that they understand that this increases their risk for oral cancer. They should be instructed to inspect their mouth frequently and report any observed lesions or other changes in the oral mucosa. Signs and symptoms that are potential indicators of oral cancer are dysphagia, unexplained mouth pain, a lump in the neck, and white patches on the mucosa (leukoplakia). Other indications may be a painless mouth ulcer, a reddened patch (erythroplasia), and rough patches on the mucosa. Sensitive teeth and decreased saliva are not associated with oral cancer.

The client attends two sessions with the dietitian to learn about diet modifications to minimize gastroesophageal reflux. The teaching would be considered successful if the client says that she will decrease her intake of which of the following foods? 1. Fats. 2. High-sodium foods. 3. Carbohydrates. 4. High-calcium foods.

1. Fats are associated with decreased esophageal sphincter tone, which increases reflux. Obesity contributes to the development of hiatal hernia, and a low-fat diet might also aid in weight loss. Carbohydrates and foods high in sodium or calcium do not affect gastroesophageal reflux.

After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery? 1. Dark brown. 2. Bile green. 3. Bright red. 4. Cloudy white.

1. About 12 to 24 hours after a subtotal gastrectomy, gastric drainage is normally brown, which indicates digested blood. Bile green or cloudy white drainage is not expected during the first 12 to 24 hours after a subtotal gastrectomy. Drainage during the first 6 to 12 hours contains some bright red blood, but large amounts of blood or excessive bloody drainage should be reported to the physician promptly.

After surgery for gastric cancer, a client is scheduled to undergo radiation therapy. It will be most important for the nurse to include information about which of the following in the client's teaching plan? 1. Nutritional intake. 2. Management of alopecia. 3. Exercise and activity levels. 4. Access to community resources.

1. Clients who have had gastric surgery are prone to postoperative complications, such as dumping syndrome and postprandial hypoglycemia, that can affect nutritional intake. Vitamin absorp¬tion can also be an issue, depending on the extent of the gastric surgery. Radiation therapy to the upper gastrointestinal area also can affect nutritional intake by causing anorexia, nausea, and esophagitis. The client would not be expected to develop alope¬cia. Exercise and activity levels as well as access to community resources are important teaching areas, but nutritional intake is a priority need.

A client with peptic ulcer disease reports that he has been nauseated most of the day and is now feeling light-headed and dizzy. Based upon these findings, which nursing actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take? Select all that apply. 1. Administering an antacid hourly until nausea subsides. 2. Monitoring the client's vital signs. 3. Notifying the physician of the client's symptoms. 4. Initiating oxygen therapy. 5. Reassessing the client in an hour.

2, 3. The symptoms of nausea and dizziness in a client with peptic ulcer disease may be indicative of hemorrhage and should not be ignored. The appropriate nursing actions at this time are for the nurse to monitor the client's vital signs and notify the physician of the client's symptoms. To administer an antacid hourly or to wait 1 hour to reassess the client would be inappropriate; prompt intervention is essential in a client who is potentially experiencing a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. The nurse would notify the physician of assessment findings and then initiate oxygen therapy if ordered by the physician.

The nurse is caring for a client who has had a gastroscopy. Which of the following signs and symptoms may indicate that the client is developing a complication related to the procedure? Select all that apply. 1. The client has a sore throat. 2. The client has a temperature of 100 ° F (37.8 ° C). 3. The client appears drowsy following the procedure. 4. The client has epigastric pain. 5. The client experiences hematemesis.

2, 4, 5. Following a gastroscopy, the nurse should monitor the client for complications, which include perforation and the potential for aspiration. An elevated temperature, complaints of epigastric pain, or the vomiting of blood (hematemesis) are all indications of a possible perforation and should be reported promptly. A sore throat is a common occurrence following a gastroscopy. Clients are usually sedated to decrease anxiety and the nurse would anticipate that the client will be drowsy following the procedure.

A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from surgery to treat a fractured mandible. Which of the following items should always be available at this client's bedside? Select all that apply. 1. Nasogastric tube. 2. Wire cutters. 3. Oxygen cannula. 4. Suction equipment. 5. Code cart.

2, 4. Following surgery for a fractured mandible, the client's jaws will be wired. The nurse should be prepared to intervene quickly in case the client develops respiratory distress or begins to choke or vomit. Wire cutters or scissors should always be available in case the wires need to be cut in a medical emergency. Suction equipment should be available to help clear the client's airway if necessary. It is not necessary to keep a nasogastric tube or oxygen cannula at the client's bedside. Cardiopulmonary arrest is unlikely, so a code cart is not needed at the bedside.

A client has been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach and is scheduled to undergo a subtotal gastrectomy (Billroth II procedure). During preoperative teaching, the nurse is reinforcing information about the surgical procedure. Which of the following explanations is most accurate? 1. The procedure will result in enlargement of the pyloric sphincter. 2. The procedure will result in anastomosis of the gastric stump to the jejunum. 3. The procedure will result in removal of the duodenum. 4. The procedure will result in repositioning of the vagus nerve.

2. A Billroth II procedure bypasses the duodenum and connects the gastric stump directly to the jejunum. The pyloric sphincter is removed, along with some of the stomach fundus.

35. A client who is recovering from gastric surgery is receiving I.V. fluids to be infused at 100 mL/hour. The I.V. tubing delivers 15 gtt/mL. The nurse should infuse the solution at a flow rate of how many drops per minute to ensure that the client receives 100 mL/hour? _______gtt/minute.

25 gtt/minute. To administer I.V. fluids at 100 mL/hour using tubing that has a drip factor of 15 gtt/mL, the nurse should use the following formula: 100 mL/60 minutes × 15 gtts/1 mL = 25 gtt/minute

What should the nurse teach a client about how to avoid the dumping syndrome? Select all that apply. 1. Consume three regularly-spaced meals per day. 2. Eat a diet with high carbohydrate foods with each meal. 3. Reduce fluids with meals, but take them between meals. 4. Obtain adequate amounts of protein and fat in each meal. 5. Eat in a relaxing environment.

3, 4, 5. Dumping syndrome results in excessive, rapid emptying of gastric contents. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid dumping syndrome by eating small, frequent meals rather than three large meals, having a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates, reducing fluids with meals but taking them between meals, and relaxing when eating. The client should eat slowly and regularly and rest after meals.

Cimetidine (Tagamet) may also be used to treat hiatal hernia. The nurse should understand that this drug is used to prevent which of the following? 1. Esophageal reflux. 2. Dysphagia. 3. Esophagitis. 4. Ulcer formation.

3. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is a histamine receptor antagonist that decreases the quantity of gastric secretions. It may be used in hiatal hernia therapy to prevent or treat the esophagitis and heartburn associated with reflux. Cimetidine is not used to prevent reflux, dysphagia, or ulcer development.

The nurse is preparing to teach a client with a peptic ulcer about the diet that should be followed after discharge. The nurse should explain that the diet will most likely consist of which of the following? 1. Bland foods. 2. High-protein foods. 3. Any foods that are tolerated. 4. Large amounts of milk.

3. Diet therapy for ulcer disease is a controversial issue. There is no scientific evidence that diet therapy promotes healing. Most clients are instructed to follow a diet that they can tolerate. There is no need for the client to ingest only a bland or high-protein diet. Milk may be included in the diet, but it is not recommended in excessive amounts.

A client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would indicate the development of a potential complication? 1. The client complains of a sore throat. 2. The client displays signs of sedation. 3. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature. 4. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite.

3. The most likely complication of an endo-scopic procedure is perforation. A sudden tempera¬ture spike within 1 to 2 hours after the procedure is indicative of a perforation and should be reported immediately to the physician. A sore throat is to be anticipated after an endoscopy. Clients are given sedatives during the procedure, so it is expected that they will display signs of sedation after the proce¬dure is completed. A lack of appetite could be the result of many factors, including the disease process.

A client who has a history of a mitral valve prolapse tells the nurse that she is scheduled to get her teeth cleaned. Which of the following replies by the nurse is most appropriate? 1. "The physician will need to reevaluate the status of your heart condition before your dental appointment." 2. "Be sure to remind your dentist that you have a heart condition." 3. "It is important for you to care for your teeth because your heart condition makes you more susceptible to developing oral infections." 4. "We will prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic for you to take before getting your teeth cleaned."

4. Clients who are at risk for developing infective endocarditis due to cardiac conditions such as mitral valve prolapse must take prophylactic antibiotics before any dental procedure that may cause bleeding. The client is not more susceptible to developing oral infections. Rather, the client is more susceptible to developing endocarditis that results from oral bacteria that enter the circulation during the dental procedure. The physician does not necessarily need to re-evaluate the heart condition of a client who is stable, but antibiotics must be prescribed. It is not enough to simply remind the dentist about the heart condition.

The client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions? 1. Development of laryngeal cancer. 2. Irritation of the esophagus. 3. Esophageal scar tissue formation. 4. Aspiration of gastric contents.

4. Clients with GERD can develop pulmonary symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and dyspnea, that are caused by the aspiration of gastric contents. GERD does not predispose the client to the development of laryngeal cancer. Irritation of the esophagus and esophageal scar tissue formation can develop as a result of GERD. However, GERD is more likely to cause painful and difficult swallowing.

A client with peptic ulcer disease is taking ranitidine (Zantac). What is the expected outcome of this drug? 1. Heal the ulcer. 2. Protect the ulcer surface from acids. 3. Reduce acid concentration. 4. Limit gastric acid secretion.

4. Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists, such as ranitidine, reduce gastric acid secretion. Antisecretory, or proton-pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec), help ulcers heal quickly in 4 to 8 weeks. Cytoprotective drugs, such as sucralfate (Carafate), protect the ulcer surface against acid, bile, and pepsin. Antacids reduce acid concentration and help reduce symptoms.

The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following drugs while taking metoclopramide hydrochloride (Reglan)? 1. Antacids. 2. Antihypertensives. 3. Anticoagulants. 4. Alcohol.

4. Metoclopramide hydrochloride (Reglan) can cause sedation. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants add to this sedation. A client who is taking this drug should be cautioned to avoid driving or performing other hazardous activities for a few hours after taking the drug. Clients may take antacids, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants while on metoclopramide.