GI ESSENTIALS
A patient with an intestinal obstruction has an NG tube connected to suction. What is the nurse's primary goal?
Relieve pressure and remove stomach contents.
Which hormone lowers blood glucose?
Insulin.
Which assessment best reflects kidney function?
Urine output.
What symptom is commonly associated with cataracts?
Cloudy or blurry vision.
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A patient with mild nausea or one with sudden difficulty breathing?
The patient with difficulty breathing.
Which patient education technique best confirms understanding?
Teach-back.
Following a barium study, what nursing instruction helps prevent a common complication?
Increase fluids and expect light-colored stools until the barium passes.
A diabetic patient becomes shaky and sweaty. What should the nurse suspect first?
Hypoglycemia.
A dialysis patient has a fistula. What should always be assessed?
: Presence of a thrill and bruit.
Which patient teaching helps prevent glaucoma-related vision loss?
Use prescribed eye drops consistently.
A patient suddenly becomes confused. What should the nurse assess first?
Oxygenation and vital signs.
Which nursing action is considered a priority?
Address life-threatening problems before routine care.
A patient has a new ileostomy. Which assessment finding should be reported immediately?
A dark, dusky, or black stoma.
Which laboratory test reflects blood glucose control over approximately three months?
Hemoglobin A1C.
Which electrolyte commonly becomes dangerously elevated in kidney failure?
Potassium.
A patient suddenly loses vision in one eye. What is the priority?
Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Which nursing principle helps determine priorities during patient care?
ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
A stable patient requests pain medication while another patient suddenly becomes unresponsive. Which patient is seen first?
The unresponsive patient.
A patient develops severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back. Which organ should the nurse suspect?
Pancreas.
A patient taking insulin becomes confused and cannot swallow safely. What should the nurse do?
Do not give food by mouth; prepare to treat severe hypoglycemia according to protocol.
Why should blood pressure not be taken on the arm with an AV fistula?
It may damage the vascular access.
Which instruction should be given after ear irrigation?
Report dizziness, pain, or continued hearing loss.
Which finding after surgery requires immediate intervention?
Sudden severe pain with absent pulses in the affected limb.
What does the nurse do when a medication order appears unsafe?
Clarify the order before administering the medication.
After bariatric surgery, what eating habit is most important for long-term success?
Eat small, protein-rich meals slowly.
Why are patients with diabetes encouraged to inspect their feet every day?
Reduced sensation increases the risk for unnoticed injuries and infection.
A patient reports sudden inability to urinate after surgery. What is the nurse's priority?
Assess for urinary retention.
Why should cotton swabs not be inserted into the ear canal?
They can push wax deeper and injure the ear.
A patient develops chest pain and shortness of breath while walking. What is the priority?
Stop activity, assess the patient, and notify the RN/provider immediately.
What is the best way to reduce medication errors?
: Follow the rights of medication administration and verify patient identification.