A 53 y.o. patient has undergone a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach. An NG tube is in place and is connected to low continuous suction. During the immediate postoperative period, you expect the gastric secretions to be which color?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Red. After a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach, the gastric secretions are expected to be red due to blood in the stomach. This finding is significant as it indicates the presence of bleeding, which could be a complication postoperatively and requires immediate attention. Option A) Brown is incorrect because brown gastric secretions are not typically expected after this type of surgery. Brown color may indicate the presence of old blood or bile. Option B) Clear is incorrect as clear gastric secretions are not typical post-partial gastrectomy and would not be expected in this context. Option D) Yellow is also incorrect because yellow gastric secretions are more commonly associated with issues like bile reflux rather than immediate postoperative findings after a partial gastrectomy. Educationally, understanding the color and significance of gastric secretions post-gastrectomy is crucial for nurses caring for surgical patients. Recognizing abnormal findings like red gastric secretions can help prompt timely interventions and prevent complications, highlighting the importance of thorough assessment and clinical judgment in postoperative care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease often experience fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to malabsorption of fats. This occurs because the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect the small intestine, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Crohn's disease; instead, weight loss is more common due to malabsorption and decreased appetite. High fever can occur during acute flare-ups but is not a primary finding of Crohn's disease.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide frequent mouth care. In a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and thirsty, the priority is to maintain oral hygiene and provide comfort by moistening the mouth with frequent mouth care. This helps alleviate the sensation of thirst and maintains oral health. Increasing the IV infusion rate (choice A) may not address the patient's discomfort directly related to thirst. Using diversion activities (choice B) is not as critical as addressing the patient's immediate need for oral care. Giving ice chips every 15 minutes (choice D) is not recommended for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO, as it can lead to complications or worsen the condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that occurred approximately 2 hours earlier. It results from the breakdown of blood in the stomach due to digestive enzymes, giving it a coffee-ground appearance. Choice A is incorrect because coffee-ground emesis indicates older, partially digested blood, not fresh active bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as gastric lavage is not indicated for coffee-ground emesis. Choice D is incorrect because a transfusion of packed RBCs is not the immediate management for this presentation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Red. Following a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach, the gastric secretions are expected to be red due to the presence of blood. This is a crucial indicator of potential postoperative complications such as bleeding, which requires immediate attention to prevent further complications. Option A) Brown is incorrect as brown gastric secretions are more indicative of older blood or bile present. Option B) Clear is incorrect as clear gastric secretions are not typically expected postoperatively in this context. Option D) Yellow is incorrect as yellow gastric secretions may indicate the presence of bile. In an educational context, understanding the color and consistency of gastric secretions postoperatively is vital for nurses to assess and monitor patients for any potential complications. Recognizing abnormal findings promptly can lead to timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. This knowledge also helps nurses provide comprehensive care and communicate effectively with the healthcare team regarding the patient's condition.