The nurse is planning care for a client with a direct (sliding) hiatal hernia. Nursing actions should be planned to meet which goal?
Prevent esophageal reflux.
Maintain intact oral mucosa.
Increase intestinal peristalsis.
Promote effective swallowing.
The Correct Answer is A
Rationale for Choice A:
Direct (sliding) hiatal hernias: These are the most common type of hiatal hernia. They occur when the upper part of the stomach slides upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This displacement disrupts the normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach. The LES is responsible for preventing stomach contents from refluxing back into the esophagus.
Esophageal reflux: When the LES is weakened or impaired, stomach acid, pepsin, and bile can flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation known as heartburn, regurgitation of food or sour liquid, and irritation of the esophageal lining.
Prevention of esophageal reflux: Nursing actions aimed at preventing esophageal reflux are crucial in the management of hiatal hernias. These actions include:
Elevate the head of the bed: This helps to keep stomach contents below the level of the esophagus, reducing the risk of reflux. Avoid eating large meals: Large meals put more pressure on the stomach, which can increase the likelihood of reflux.
Avoid lying down after eating: Lying down can allow stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus more easily. Avoid foods that trigger reflux: Common triggers include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, caffeine, and alcohol.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can increase abdominal pressure and contribute to reflux.
Consider medications: If lifestyle changes are not enough to control reflux, medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors may be prescribed.
Rationale for Choice B:
Maintaining intact oral mucosa: This is not a primary goal in the care of a client with a hiatal hernia. While oral hygiene is important for overall health, it does not directly address the issue of esophageal reflux.
Rationale for Choice C:
Increasing intestinal peristalsis: This is not a relevant goal for a hiatal hernia. Hiatal hernias primarily affect the upper digestive tract, not the intestines.
Rationale for Choice D:
Promoting effective swallowing: This is not the most important goal in the care of a client with a hiatal hernia. While swallowing difficulties can occur in some cases, they are not the primary concern. The priority is to prevent esophageal reflux and its associated complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Direct identification of the causative organism: A culture for sensitive organisms is the most direct and definitive way to identify the specific bacteria or other microorganisms that are causing the infection in the wound. This information is crucial for guiding the selection of the most appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Tailored antibiotic therapy: By knowing the exact organism responsible, healthcare providers can prescribe antibiotics that are specifically effective against that organism, ensuring optimal treatment and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Informed infection control measures: The results of the culture can also inform appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients or healthcare workers.
Monitoring treatment effectiveness: Cultures can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. If the culture results show that the bacteria are no longer present after a course of antibiotics, this indicates that the treatment has been successful.
Choice B rationale:
Non-specific marker of inflammation: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific marker of inflammation that can be elevated in various conditions, including infections, but also in non-infectious conditions such as autoimmune diseases and trauma.
Limited diagnostic value for wound infections: While an elevated CRP level may suggest the presence of an infection, it does not provide information about the specific causative organism, which is essential for guiding antibiotic therapy.
Supplementary role: CRP levels can be used in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests to assess the severity of an infection and monitor the response to treatment, but it should not be relied upon as a sole diagnostic tool for wound infections.
Choice C rationale:
Not directly indicative of wound infection: Blood pH level primarily reflects the acid-base balance of the body and is not directly indicative of a wound infection.
Alterations in other conditions: Blood pH can be altered in various conditions, including respiratory and metabolic disorders, and is not specific to wound infections.
Limited role in diagnosis: While significant alterations in blood pH may suggest a serious systemic infection, it does not provide information about the location or causative organism of the infection.
Choice D rationale:
Not directly related to wound infection: Serum blood glucose level is primarily used to monitor diabetes and is not directly related to wound infections.
Impaired wound healing in diabetes: While elevated blood glucose levels can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections in diabetic patients, it is not a diagnostic test for wound infections in general.
Secondary consideration: Blood glucose levels may be considered as part of the overall assessment of a patient with a wound infection, particularly in those with diabetes, but it is not a primary diagnostic tool.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
PaCO2 55 mm Hg on a blood gas indicates ineffective treatment. Normal PaCO2 levels range from 35-45 mm Hg.
Elevated PaCO2 (hypercapnia) suggests that the lungs are not effectively removing carbon dioxide from the body. This can be due to various factors, including:
Incomplete resolution of pneumonia Airway obstruction
Impaired respiratory muscle function
Choice B rationale:
Rhonchi in the right lung indicates ineffective treatment.
Rhonchi are coarse, rattling sounds heard in the lungs during auscultation.
They are often associated with mucus accumulation in the airways, which can occur in pneumonia.
The presence of rhonchi suggests that inflammation and mucus production persist, despite antibiotic and respiratory therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Oxygen saturation greater than 94% indicates effective treatment. Normal oxygen saturation levels are typically 95% or higher.
A saturation of 94% or above suggests that the lungs are able to effectively oxygenate the blood. This is a positive sign that the pneumonia is responding to treatment.
Choice D rationale:
Client ambulates without shortness of breath indicates effective treatment. Shortness of breath (dyspnea) is a common symptom of pneumonia.
It occurs when the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body, leading to a feeling of breathlessness.
The ability to ambulate without shortness of breath suggests that the pneumonia has improved and that the lungs are functioning more effectively.
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