NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System
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Question 1 of 5.
The client is scheduled for an abdominal-perineal resection for cancer of the rectum. Which components should the nurse include in the client's preoperative education? Select all that apply.
A. The enterostomal nurse will be visiting the client prior to surgery.
B. After surgery rectal suppositories will be given to prevent straining and stress.
C. The bowel will be cleansed before surgery with a laxative, enema, or whole-gut lavage.
D. Oral or intravenous (IV) antibiotics will be prescribed to be given preoperatively.
E. A member of the surgical team will discuss the risk of postoperative sexual dysfunction.
Explanation: An abdominal-perineal resection removes the sigmoid colon, rectum, and anus. As a result the client will have a permanent colostomy. The enterostomal nurse will identify and mark an appropriate stoma location after considering the client's skinfolds, clothing preferences, and the level of the colostomy. The bowel is cleansed preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Antibiotics are prescribed to be given preoperatively to reduce the risk of peritoneal contamination by bowel contents during surgery. Postoperatively the client with an abdominal-perineal resection is at risk for sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence as a result of nerve damage. This needs to be discussed with the client prior to surgery by the surgeon or a member of the surgical team.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with GERD. Which nursing interventions should be implemented?
A. Place the client prone in bed and administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
B. Have the client remain upright at all times and walk for 30 minutes three (3) times a week.
C. Instruct the client to maintain a right lateral side-lying position and take antacids before meals.
D. Elevate the head of the bed (HOB) 30 degrees and discuss lifestyle modifications with the client.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed prevents reflux during sleep, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, not lying down after meals) are key to managing GERD. Prone positioning worsens reflux, remaining upright at all times is impractical, and right lateral positioning is less effective than head elevation.
Question 3 of 5.
Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse the client may be experiencing GERD?
A. My chest hurts when I walk up the stairs in my home.
B. I take antacid tablets with me wherever I go.
C. My spouse tells me I snore very loudly at night.
D. I drink six (6) to seven (7) soft drinks every day.
Explanation: Frequent use of antacids suggests ongoing heartburn or reflux symptoms, a hallmark of GERD. Chest pain with exertion is more suggestive of cardiac issues, snoring may indicate sleep apnea, and soft drink consumption is a risk factor but not a direct symptom.
Question 4 of 5.
The client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has a serum potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Notify the health-care provider (HCP).
B. Assess the client for muscle weakness.
C. Request telemetry for the client.
D. Prepare to administer potassium IV.
Explanation: A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is slightly low, warranting assessment for symptoms like muscle weakness, which could indicate hypokalemia severity. Notification or intervention would follow based on clinical findings, but assessment is the first step.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis has an ileostomy. Which statement indicates the client needs more teaching concerning the ileostomy?
A. My stoma should be pink and moist.
B. I will irrigate my ileostomy every morning.
C. If I get a red, bumpy, itchy rash I will call my HCP.
D. I will change my pouch if it starts leaking.
Explanation: Ileostomies typically do not require routine irrigation, as the output is liquid and continuous, unlike colostomies. The other statements reflect correct understanding of stoma care and management.
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