As nurse manager, you must select an employee to participate in a hospital committee that will develop client education brochures about common abdominal surgeries and wound care. Who would be the best employee to send to this committee?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The best employee to send to the hospital committee for developing client education brochures about common abdominal surgeries and wound care would be the experienced medical-surgical RN (Option B). This choice is the most suitable because of several reasons: 1. **Clinical Experience**: An experienced medical-surgical RN would have a solid foundation in caring for patients undergoing abdominal surgeries and managing wound care. They would possess the necessary clinical knowledge and skills required to provide accurate and relevant information in the brochures. 2. **Patient Education Skills**: With their experience, the experienced medical-surgical RN would have developed effective patient education skills, including the ability to communicate complex medical information in a clear and understandable manner. This is crucial for developing educational materials that are accessible to patients with varying levels of health literacy. 3. **Interdisciplinary Collaboration**: Being part of the medical-surgical unit, the experienced RN would have experience working with various healthcare professionals involved in patient care, including surgeons, wound care specialists, and other multidisciplinary team members. This exposure would enable them to gather insights and collaborate effectively with different experts on the committee. Why the other options are not the best choices: - **Option A (Newly graduated medical-surgical RN)**: While new graduates bring fresh perspectives, they may lack the depth of clinical experience and expertise required to educate patients comprehensively about complex surgical procedures and wound care. - **Option C (Experienced surgical intensive care unit RN)**: While an ICU nurse may have extensive experience in critical care, their focus may not align directly with the content needed for client education brochures on common abdominal surgeries and wound care outside of the ICU setting. - **Option D (Experienced medical-surgical LPN/LVN)**: While LPNs/LVNs play a vital role in patient care, their scope of practice and level of clinical responsibility may not be as extensive as that of an experienced medical-surgical RN, especially in terms of educating patients on surgical procedures and wound care. Educational Context: This question emphasizes the importance of selecting a healthcare professional with relevant experience and expertise to develop educational materials for patients. It highlights the role of nurses in patient education and the need for clear and accurate information to support patients undergoing abdominal surgeries and wound care. By sending the most qualified individual to the committee, the hospital can ensure that the client education brochures are of high quality and meet the educational needs of their patients effectively.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Measure the amount of fluids lost. Rationale: After colostomy surgery, nasogastric decompression is often performed to alleviate gastrointestinal distention and prevent complications like vomiting and aspiration. Monitoring the amount of fluids lost through nasogastric decompression is crucial as it helps assess the client's fluid balance and overall status. This measurement guides the healthcare team in determining the client's hydration status and adjusting fluid replacement therapy accordingly. Option A) Inspect the swelling of joints is incorrect as it is not directly related to nasogastric decompression after colostomy surgery. Joint swelling may be indicative of other conditions but is not a priority in this case. Option B) Inspect the bleeding wound is also incorrect as it does not pertain to nasogastric decompression. While wound care is essential post-colostomy surgery, it is not specifically related to nasogastric decompression monitoring. Option C) Monitor pulse pressure and rate is not directly linked to nasogastric decompression. While monitoring vital signs is crucial in client care, assessing the amount of fluids lost through the nasogastric tube takes precedence in this situation. Educational Context: Understanding the rationale behind monitoring fluid loss post-colostomy surgery is crucial for nursing practice. It ensures that nurses can provide safe and effective care to clients undergoing such procedures. By emphasizing the importance of monitoring fluid balance, nurses can prevent complications and promote positive client outcomes. This educational rationale highlights the significance of prioritizing specific interventions based on the client's condition and the prescribed treatment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is option B) 2500 calories. This recommendation is based on the average daily caloric intake required for an adult to maintain their weight and overall health. Explanation: A) 2000 calories: This option is lower than the recommended daily caloric intake for the average adult. Consuming only 2000 calories may lead to inadequate energy levels and potential nutrient deficiencies. C) 3000 calories: This option is higher than the recommended daily caloric intake for most average adults. Consuming 3000 calories daily without increased physical activity can lead to weight gain and potential health issues like obesity. D) 3500 calories: This option is significantly higher than the recommended daily caloric intake for the average adult. Consuming 3500 calories daily is excessive and can lead to rapid weight gain, obesity, and various health complications. Educational Context: Understanding the appropriate caloric intake for adults is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight, energy levels, and overall well-being. It is essential to educate individuals on the importance of balanced nutrition, including the right amount of calories based on factors like age, gender, activity level, and overall health goals. Providing this knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their dietary habits and promotes long-term health and wellness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of NCLEX questions on gastrointestinal disorders, the priority decision regarding the use of medications for obesity is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Option B, stating that over-the-counter (OTC) diet aids are safer than other agents and can be useful in controlling appetite, is the correct answer. This is because OTC diet aids are generally considered safer due to their lower potency and fewer side effects compared to prescription weight loss medications. Option C is incorrect because while it is true that drugs should be used as adjuncts to diet and exercise for obesity treatment, it does not specifically address the safety or efficacy of OTC diet aids. Option D is incorrect as it generalizes all weight control drugs as capable of altering CNS function, which is not universally true for all medications used in obesity treatment. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the differences between various weight loss medications, including OTC options, prescription drugs, and their mechanisms of action, side effects, and appropriate patient education. Nurses should also be able to prioritize patient safety and provide evidence-based information to guide patients in making informed decisions about weight loss interventions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Report any bloody drainage from the NG tube. This is the priority action because post-esophagogastrostomy, the patient is at risk for complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or anastomotic leak. Bloody drainage can be indicative of a serious issue like hemorrhage, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications or deterioration. Option A is too vague and does not provide specific guidance on what action to take. Option C, maintaining the patient in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position, is important for patient comfort and to prevent reflux but is not the priority over monitoring for potential complications. Option D, monitoring for abdominal distention, is relevant but not as critical as detecting bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of prioritizing nursing actions based on the patient's condition post-surgery. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing and responding promptly to signs of complications to ensure optimal patient outcomes and safety. Nurses must be vigilant in assessing and reporting any abnormal findings to the healthcare team promptly.