A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who will undergo a colonoscopy the following week. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Restrict the diet to clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before the procedure.
Expect the provider to schedule another procedure to remove any polyps.
Do not eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours before the procedure.
Administer enemas 2 days before the procedure.
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: A clear liquid diet 1 to 3 days before a colonoscopy minimizes residue in the colon, enhancing mucosal visualization and reducing the risk of missed lesions. Clear liquids include water, broth, tea, and gelatin, which are easily absorbed and leave minimal waste. This dietary preparation complements bowel cleansing agents like polyethylene glycol. Inadequate preparation can obscure polyps or inflammation. Normal stool consistency should be absent during the procedure to ensure optimal diagnostic accuracy.
Choice B rationale: Polypectomy is typically performed during the colonoscopy itself if polyps are detected. Most polyps are removed using snares or biopsy forceps during the same session, reducing the need for a second procedure. Scheduling another procedure is reserved for complex or large lesions requiring advanced techniques. Delaying removal increases the risk of progression to malignancy. Normal colonoscopy findings include pink mucosa and absence of polyps; any deviation warrants immediate intervention when feasible.
Choice C rationale: Restricting intake to only water for 12 hours before the procedure is insufficient and potentially misleading. Colonoscopy preparation requires both dietary modification and pharmacologic bowel cleansing, not just fasting. Water alone does not clear the colon of fecal matter. Additionally, fasting without electrolyte replacement may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Normal serum potassium ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; inadequate preparation may cause hypokalemia, especially with laxative use.
Choice D rationale: Enemas are not routinely recommended 2 days before colonoscopy. They may be used adjunctively on the day of the procedure for distal colon cleansing but are insufficient for full bowel preparation. Oral bowel prep agents like polyethylene glycol are preferred for complete evacuation. Enemas only reach the rectosigmoid region and do not cleanse the ascending or transverse colon. Incomplete prep compromises mucosal visualization and diagnostic yield, increasing false-negative rates.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
knee-chest. During sigmoidoscopy, the client should lie on their left side with their right knee flexed slightly. The nurse should then position the client in the knee-chest (Sims) position, where the client leans forward with bent knees and support the chest and forearms on the table or a pillow. This allows better visualization and access to the rectal area for the sigmoidoscopy procedure.
An explanation for incorrect choices:
A. Orthopneic position is upright sitting with arms and elbows resting on a table or on a pillow, which helps clients who have difficulty breathing; it is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.
B. Trendelenburg position
is supine with the head lower than the feet, which can cause blood flow to the head and increased intracranial pressure; it is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.
C. Prone position is lying face down, which is not suitable for sigmoidoscopy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Redness around the incision line. Redness around the incision line indicates inflammation and is a sign of wound infection. Bruising around the wound and crusting along the incision are normal findings in the early postoperative period. Serous wound drainage is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
B. Bruising around the wound: This is a normal finding in the early postoperative period.
C. Serous wound drainage: This is a normal finding after surgery and is not an indication of infection.
D. Crustin
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