ATI LPN
Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition
Chapter 45 Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is obtaining a history for a female patient who is being evaluated for acute lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Which of the following questions is most useful in determining the cause of the patient's symptoms?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A complete description of the pain provides clues about the cause of the problem. The usual diet and elimination patterns are less helpful in determining the reason for the patient's symptoms. Although the nurse should ask whether the patient is pregnant to determine whether the patient might have an ectopic pregnancy and before any radiology studies are done, this information is not the most useful in determining the cause of the pain.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient who has persistent constipation, about the use of psyllium. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A high fluid intake is needed when patients are using bulk-forming laxatives to avoid worsening constipation. Although bulk-forming laxatives are generally safe, the nurse should emphasize the possibility of constipation or obstipation if inadequate fluid intake occurs. Although increased gas formation is likely to occur with increased dietary fibre, the patient should gradually increase dietary fibre and eventually may not need the psyllium. Fat-soluble vitamin absorption is blocked by stool softeners and lubricants, not by bulk-forming laxatives.
Question 3 of 5
During the initial postoperative assessment of a patient's stoma formed from a transverse colostomy, the stoma appearance indicates good circulation to the stoma. Which of the following actions should the nurse take based upon these findings?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The stoma appearance indicates good circulation to the stoma. There is no indication that surgical intervention is needed or that frequent stoma monitoring is required. Swelling of the stoma is normal for 2-3 weeks after surgery, and an ice pack is not needed.
Question 4 of 5
A patient tells the nurse, 'I have problems with constipation now that I am older, so I use a suppository every morning.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's initial action should be further assessment of the patient for risk factors for constipation and for usual bowel pattern. The other actions may be appropriate but will be based on the assessment.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient with a new colostomy. Which of the following patient actions indicates that the teaching has been effective?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The health care provider should be contacted if there is pain or erythema in the peristomal area. If the patient has a temperature, the health care provider should be contacted. The colostomy should be emptied before it becomes one-third full. The patient should drink at least 1500-2000 mL per day to avoid dehydration.