During the first few days of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, which of the following aspects should be the first priority of client care?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, the first priority of client care should be skin care (option D). This is because proper skin care around the stoma is crucial to prevent skin breakdown, irritation, and infection which are common issues in ostomy patients. Maintaining skin integrity is essential for the overall well-being and comfort of the patient. Regarding why the other options are not the first priority: - Body image (option A): While body image is important for a patient's psychosocial well-being, immediate post-operative care should focus on physiological needs like skin care to prevent complications. - Ostomy care (option B): While important, the question specifies "during the first few days of recovery," where skin care takes precedence over routine ostomy care. - Sexual concerns (option C): While sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of a patient's life, they are not the immediate priority in the early days of post-operative care. In an educational context, understanding the prioritization of care based on the patient's immediate needs post-surgery is crucial for nursing students and healthcare professionals. Emphasizing the importance of skin care in ostomy patients can prevent complications and promote better outcomes for patients undergoing such surgeries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of medical-surgical nursing and gastrointestinal health, understanding the relationship between diet and colon cancer is crucial. The correct answer, A) Low-fiber, high fat, is most commonly associated with colon cancer for several reasons. A diet low in fiber and high in fat can lead to constipation and prolonged exposure of the colon to carcinogens present in the stool, increasing the risk of colon cancer development. Option B) Low-fat, high-fiber is actually a more favorable diet for colon health. High-fiber diets promote regular bowel movements and help to remove toxins from the body, reducing the risk of colon cancer. Option C) Low-protein, high-carbohydrate and Option D) Low carbohydrate, high protein are not directly linked to an increased risk of colon cancer. While a balanced intake of protein and carbohydrates is important for overall health, it is the low-fiber, high-fat diet that is particularly problematic in the context of colon cancer. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of nutritional factors in the development of gastrointestinal diseases such as colon cancer. Nurses need to be able to educate patients on the significance of a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in unhealthy fats to promote colon health and reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Understanding these dietary relationships empowers nurses to provide evidence-based dietary guidance to their patients for optimal health outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the context of medical surgical nursing, understanding the importance of appropriate diagnostic tests for colon cancer screening is crucial. The correct answer, D) Fecal occult blood test, is the recommended screening test for colon cancer in individuals over the age of 50. This test detects hidden blood in the stool, which can be an early sign of colon cancer. Abdominal CT scan (A) and abdominal x-ray (B) are not routine screening tests for colon cancer. These imaging studies are not as sensitive or specific for detecting early signs of colon cancer compared to direct visualization methods like a colonoscopy (C) or fecal occult blood test. Educationally, it is important for medical surgical nursing students to understand the rationale behind choosing specific diagnostic tests based on evidence-based guidelines. Emphasizing the importance of regular screening for colon cancer can help prevent late-stage diagnoses and improve patient outcomes. Nurses play a key role in educating patients about the importance of screening tests and assisting in coordinating these screenings to promote early detection and treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of treating colon cancer, radiation therapy is used before surgery primarily to reduce the size of the tumor. This process, known as neoadjuvant therapy, aims to shrink the tumor, making it more manageable for surgical removal. By decreasing the tumor size, radiation therapy can potentially make the surgical procedure safer and more effective. It can also help reduce the risk of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body during surgery. Regarding the incorrect options: - Option B: Eliminating the malignant cells directly is not the primary goal of radiation therapy before surgery. While radiation therapy can kill cancer cells, its main purpose in this scenario is to shrink the tumor. - Option C: While radiation therapy can be part of a treatment plan aimed at curing cancer, its role before surgery is more focused on tumor reduction rather than curing the cancer outright. - Option D: Helping the bowel heal after surgery is not the primary purpose of using radiation therapy before surgery for colon cancer. Other post-operative interventions would be more appropriate for promoting bowel healing. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind using radiation therapy before surgery for colon cancer enhances students' comprehension of the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. It highlights the importance of neoadjuvant therapies in preparing for surgical interventions and emphasizes the specific goals and outcomes associated with each treatment modality in the context of comprehensive patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of a client with colon cancer, the most likely symptom to exhibit would be a change in bowel habits, which is option B. This is because colon cancer often causes alterations in bowel movements such as constipation, diarrhea, or changes in stool consistency. These changes occur due to the obstruction or inflammation caused by the tumor in the colon. Option A, a change in appetite, is less specific to colon cancer and can be present in various other health conditions or even psychological factors. It is not a hallmark symptom of colon cancer. Option C, an increase in body weight, is unlikely in colon cancer as it typically presents with unintended weight loss due to factors like decreased appetite, malabsorption, or the body's increased energy demands to fight the cancer. Option D, an increase in body temperature, is not a typical symptom of colon cancer unless there is an associated infection. Colon cancer itself does not directly cause an increase in body temperature. It is crucial for nursing students to understand these specific symptoms associated with colon cancer to effectively assess and provide care to patients with this condition. Recognizing these symptoms promptly can lead to early detection and intervention, improving patient outcomes.