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A nurse in a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client.

Exhibits

Click to highlight the findings that require follow-up. To deselect a finding, click on the finding again.

Nurses' Notes
Day 1, 0330:
Client presents for evaluation of severe pain in upper abdomen that radiates into their back. States pain began approximately 12 hr ago and is worse when they are supine or after they eat. Rates pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. Sclera noted to be yellow. Heart rate regular, lungs clear to auscultation. Abdomen firm, bowel sounds hypoactive. Client guards abdomen and grimaces during palpation. Reports last bowel movement was yesterday. Reports no recent illnesses takes no prescribed medications. Client is alert and oriented x4.

Client presents for evaluation of severe pain in upper abdomen that radiates into their back.

States pain began approximately 12 hr ago and is worse when they are supine or after they eat.

Rates pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. Sclera noted to be yellow.

Heart rate regular, lungs clear to auscultation.

Abdomen firm, bowel sounds hypoactive.

Client guards abdomen and grimaces during palpation. Reports last bowel movement was yesterday.

Reports no recent illnesses takes no prescribed medications.

Client is alert and oriented x4.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E","F"]

Rationale for Correct Choices:

Pain radiating to the back, worsens after eating or lying down: This is characteristic of acute pancreatitis, where inflammation irritates surrounding tissues and worsens in the supine position due to gravitational pressure. Postprandial worsening suggests pancreatic enzyme stimulation.
Scleral icterus (yellow sclera and palate): Jaundice suggests biliary obstruction or liver involvement, possibly due to gallstone pancreatitis or alcoholic liver disease. This also aligns with the elevated bilirubin levels and warrants further hepatic and biliary assessment.
Abdomen distended, rigid, and tender with guarding: These are signs of peritonitis or severe intra-abdominal inflammation, requiring urgent evaluation. Guarding and rigidity indicate localized or diffuse peritoneal irritation from pancreatic enzymes.
Hypoactive bowel sounds: Reduced bowel activity is often seen in pancreatitis due to paralytic ileus caused by inflammation and stress response. Monitoring for progression to ileus or obstruction is necessary.
Client guards abdomen and grimaces during palpation: Guarding and pain upon palpation are signs of significant intra-abdominal inflammation. It may reflect worsening pancreatitis or complications such as necrosis or peritonitis.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

Heart rate regular, lungs clear to auscultation: These are normal findings and do not require follow-up.
Client is alert and oriented x4: Indicates normal neurologic status. No immediate concern here.
Reports no recent illnesses, takes no prescribed medications: This helps rule out medication-induced pancreatitis and doesn't indicate a need for follow-up.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D,A,B,C

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Insert the catheter until resistance is felt: The catheter should be gently advanced into the tracheostomy tube until resistance is met, which typically indicates reaching the carina.

B. Withdraw the catheter 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 inch): Slight withdrawal prevents trauma to the carina and positions the catheter optimally for effective suctioning.

C. Rotate the catheter while suctioning: Rotating the catheter as suction is applied allows for even clearing of secretions along the tracheal walls and helps prevent localized tissue damage.

D. Lubricate the catheter with sterile saline: Lubrication ensures smooth insertion and reduces trauma to the tracheal mucosa. This is the first action after applying sterile gloves.

A. Rolls from back to side B. Rolls from back to abdomen C. Sits steadily unsupported D. Changes from prone to sitting

Correct Answer is A,B,C,D

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Rolls from back to side: This is typically the first gross motor milestone among the listed options and usually occurs around 4 months of age. It marks early trunk and upper body control development.

B. Rolls from back to abdomen: Rolling from back to abdomen requires more strength and coordination and generally occurs around 5 to 6 months of age, following the ability to roll to the side.

C. Sits steadily unsupported: Infants begin sitting without support around 7 to 8 months, once they develop adequate trunk and head control. This milestone represents a major progression in balance and posture.

D. Changes from prone to sitting: Transitioning from a prone to a sitting position typically develops around 9 to 10 months. It involves coordinated control of the arms, trunk, and legs and reflects advanced gross motor skill development.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a tracheostomy and requires suctioning. Identify the sequence of steps the nurse should follow after applying sterile gloves. (Move the steps into the box on the right, placing them in the selected order of performance. Use all the steps.)

Correct Answer is D,A,B,C

Explanation

Correct Answer is A,B,C,D

Explanation

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