A male client is admitted to the emergency department while vomiting dark brown, foul- smelling emesis. He reports having a surgical repair of a recurrent inguinal hernia a week ago and is troubled by intense abdominal pain. After finding that his bowel sounds are hyperactive, which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Place an indwelling urinary catheter and attach a bedside drainage unit.

Send the client to x-ray for a flat plate of the abdomen.

Insert a nasogastric tube (NGT) and attach to low intermittent suction.

Give a prescribed analgesic for temperature above 101° F (38.3°C).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A.   An indwelling urinary catheter is generally used for monitoring urine output in patients with urinary issues or those who are unable to void. It is not the first-line intervention for a client with symptoms suggesting a possible bowel obstruction or gastrointestinal complication. While monitoring urine output may be important, it does not address the immediate concern of the client’s gastrointestinal symptoms.
B.   An abdominal x-ray can help diagnose conditions such as bowel obstruction, ileus, or other abdominal issues by visualizing the presence of air-fluid levels or distended bowel loops. While this diagnostic step is important, it should follow interventions that might provide immediate symptomatic relief or help manage the suspected condition.
C.   Inserting an NGT and attaching it to low intermittent suction is a critical intervention for managing symptoms of bowel obstruction or severe gastrointestinal distress. The dark brown, foul-smelling vomit and hyperactive bowel sounds suggest that the client might have a bowel obstruction or significant gastrointestinal complication. An NGT can help decompress the stomach, relieve pressure, reduce vomiting, and prevent further gastrointestinal complications.
D.   While providing analgesics for pain and fever is important for overall symptom management, it does not address the immediate cause of the client’s symptoms. The focus should be on diagnosing and managing the underlying issue causing the symptoms, such as a bowel obstruction, rather than just treating pain or fever.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increasing oxygen flow might seem like an immediate response, but it's crucial to be cautious with oxygen therapy in COPD patients. They often have a chronic CO2 retention issue, and excessive oxygen can sometimes reduce their drive to breathe, potentially worsening their condition. The increase in oxygen should be based on specific clinical guidelines and patient response, rather than an automatic increase.
B. Obtaining a stat arterial blood gas (ABG) is an important diagnostic step to evaluate the client’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status. This can provide critical information on the severity of the dyspnea and guide further treatment. It’s an essential action, particularly in acute dyspnea, as it helps in understanding the underlying cause and tailoring appropriate interventions.
C. The client is already in a high-Fowler’s position, which is optimal for improving lung expansion and easing dyspnea. Lowering the bed to a semi-Fowler’s position might not provide additional relief and could potentially worsen the client’s dyspnea. High-Fowler's position is generally preferred for severe dyspnea as it maximizes lung expansion and facilitates breathing.
D. Pursed-lip breathing is a helpful technique for managing dyspnea in COPD patients. It helps to prolong exhalation, reduce airway collapse, and improve gas exchange. This technique can provide immediate relief by helping the client control their breathing and reduce feelings of breathlessness.

A. Minimize intake of spicy foods. B. Remain upright following meals. C. Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes. D. Begin a smoking cessation program.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Spicy foods can exacerbate GERD symptoms by irritating the esophagus and increasing acid production. While minimizing spicy foods is important, it is one of several dietary changes that can help manage GERD. It’s beneficial but may not be the single most critical instruction compared to other lifestyle modifications.
B. Remaining upright after meals is crucial for managing GERD. Lying down or reclining too soon after eating can allow stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, worsening symptoms. Staying upright helps to facilitate digestion and reduce acid reflux, making this practice highly important for symptom control and prevention of reflux.
C. Tight-fitting clothes can increase abdominal pressure, which may contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux. While this is a helpful instruction to prevent exacerbation of symptoms, it may not be as directly impactful as remaining upright after meals.
D. Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. However, while important, this instruction might be considered a secondary priority compared to immediate practical strategies like maintaining an upright position after eating.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become extremely dyspneic. After determining that the client is in high- Fowler's position and is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters/minute, which immediate action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse reviews discharge instructions with a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to emphasize?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is developing a teaching handout for female clients who return to the clinic for recurring urinary tract infections (UTI). Which client has the greatest risk for developing a UTI?

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While changing the dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notices the boundary of the wound has increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should evaluate which of the client's laboratory values?

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