lower digestive system
A nurse describes a patient as morbidly obese because the patient has a weight of 387 lb and a height of 2 meters. What is the patient’s body mass index (BMI)?
43.9
A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with diverticulosis and assesses a temperature of 102.4 F and abdominal rigidity. What should the nurse be aware is the most likely cause of these signs and symptoms?
Perforation
A nurse notes a diagnosis of pilonidal cyst on a patient’s admission assessment. What anatomical location should the nurse expect to assess this cyst?
Sacrococcygeal area
What action should a nurse implement to prevent complications in a patient with hepatitis who has been prescribed bed rest?
Encourage turning, coughing, and deep breathing every 2 hours
A goal of medical treatment for patients with cirrhosis is to prevent complications and limit cell damage. A major approach is to promote rest. What rationale supports this approach?
Allows the liver to regenerate
Which statement by a patient with an ileostomy as a remedy for ulcerative colitis indicates the need for further teaching?
“I will be glad when the surgeon closes this ileostomy.”
A patient is diagnosed with cancer of the large intestine. What is the most likely initial recommended medical intervention?
Surgery
A home health nurse is instructing an older adult patient regarding dietary changes to help prevent constipation. What changes should the nurse indicate when providing this education? (Select all that apply.)
Addition of whole-grain cereal, Cessation of laxative use, increase in liquid intake, Eating fresh vegetables
Which sign indicates that the need for increased fluid intake would be contraindicated in a patient diagnosed with a hepatic disorder?
Signs of edema
What is necessary to restrict when the ammonia level of a patient diagnosed with cirrhosis continues to rise?
Protein
A nurse identifies a risk factor in an older man that places him at risk for developing diverticulosis. What patient information indicates such a risk factor?
Eats a low-fiber diet
A nurse is performing an assessment of a patient after an abdominoperineal resection. How many incision sites will be present?
Three
For which complication should a nurse be careful to monitor a patient after a liver biopsy?
Bleeding
What intervention should a nurse implement when assessing a patient with jaundice who has been given the nursing diagnosis of disrupted skin integrity?
Apply mittens or socks to the hands
What actions should a nurse implement to correctly assess the progress of ascites on a daily basis?
Daily weights and abdominal girth measurements
Which foods should an individual with diverticulosis avoid?
Peanuts and raspberries
A patient reports severe pain after an abdominoperineal resection. What position should the nurse assist this patient into in order to promote comfort?
Side-lying
What is pruritus related to in the patient diagnosed with hepatitis?
Accumulation of bile salts under the skin
Which vaccination does the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) require all health care providers to receive?
Hepatitis B
A patient with ascites is scheduled for a LeVeen peritoneal-venous shunt. The patient asks why this needs to be done instead of a paracentesis. What is the best response by the nurse?
“This procedure will prevent the loss of protein.”
Colonoscopy results indicate the diagnosis of irritable bowel disease (IBD) in a patient admitted to the hospital with diarrhea. What information should the nurse include when preparing patient education regarding diet?
Low roughage should be followed
A nurse provides education to a patient after a hemorrhoidectomy. Which statement by the patient demonstrates the need for further instruction?
“Fluids are restricted.”
A young woman with severe jaundice has an altered body image. The patient says, “Will I always be this horrible color?” What is the best response by the nurse?
“No. The color will fade gradually as liver inflammation decreases.”
What is the meaning of a dropping bilirubin level in a patient diagnosed with hepatitis?
Liver function is improving
A high ammonia level contributes to hepatic encephalopathy. Which nursing implementation needs to be added to the nursing care plan as this level continues to increase?
Increased frequency of neurologic checks