Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new colostomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in educating the client regarding colostomy care?
A. "Cut the opening on the skin barrier wafer to customize fit over the stoma.".
Properly cutting the opening on the skin barrier wafer to fit over the stoma is crucial to prevent any irritation or damage to the surrounding skin. A well-fitted wafer creates a seal around the stoma, reducing the risk of stool coming into contact with the skin, which can cause excoriation.
B. "Empty the bag when it is three-fourths full of stool.".
Emptying the bag when it is three-fourths full of stool is unrelated to the education on colostomy care. This information was provided in the previous question () and is not relevant to colostomy care education.
C. "The color of the stoma should be slightly purple.".
The color of the stoma should not be slightly purple. A healthy stoma should be pink or red, indicating a good blood supply. A purple or dark-colored stoma could indicate inadequate blood flow, which is a concern and requires immediate medical attention.
D. "Cleanse the peristomal skin with moisturizing soap and water.".
Cleansing the peristomal skin with moisturizing soap and water is not the recommended approach. The nurse should use plain water or mild, non-moisturizing soap to clean the peristomal skin, as moisturizing soap may leave a residue that affects the adhesion of the skin barrier wafer.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI RN VATI Adult Medical Surgical S 2019 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Properly cutting the opening on the skin barrier wafer to fit over the stoma is crucial to prevent any irritation or damage to the surrounding skin. A well-fitted wafer creates a seal around the stoma, reducing the risk of stool coming into contact with the skin, which can cause excoriation.
Choice B rationale:
Emptying the bag when it is three-fourths full of stool is unrelated to the education on colostomy care. This information was provided in the previous question () and is not relevant to colostomy care education.
Choice C rationale:
The color of the stoma should not be slightly purple. A healthy stoma should be pink or red, indicating a good blood supply. A purple or dark-colored stoma could indicate inadequate blood flow, which is a concern and requires immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale:
Cleansing the peristomal skin with moisturizing soap and water is not the recommended approach. The nurse should use plain water or mild, non-moisturizing soap to clean the peristomal skin, as moisturizing soap may leave a residue that affects the adhesion of the skin barrier wafer.
Similar Questions
A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a newly inserted permanent pacemaker. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "Place cellular phones on the ear opposite the side of the pacemaker.".
The nurse should instruct the client to place cellular phones on the ear opposite the side of the pacemaker to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference. Although the risk of interference is low with modern pacemakers, it is still a precautionary measure. Placing the phone on the ear opposite the pacemaker reduces the likelihood of any potential electromagnetic interaction.
B. "Avoid showering for the first 2 weeks following surgery.".
The instruction in choice B, "Avoid showering for the first 2 weeks following surgery,”. is not appropriate. There is no need for the client to avoid showering after pacemaker insertion. In fact, maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent infection at the incision site. The client can take a shower, but they should avoid soaking the incision area and patting it dry afterward.
C. "Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week following insertion.".
The instruction in choice C, "Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week following insertion,”. is not the best option. The recommended timeframe to avoid heavy lifting after a pacemaker insertion is usually around 4 to 6 weeks. This duration allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads or causing damage.
D. "Stand at least 2 feet away while using a microwave.".
The instruction in choice D, "Stand at least 2 feet away while using a microwave,”. is not directly related to pacemaker care. While it is generally recommended to maintain a safe distance from microwaves during use, this instruction is not specific to clients with pacemakers.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should instruct the client to place cellular phones on the ear opposite the side of the pacemaker to minimize the risk of electromagnetic interference. Although the risk of interference is low with modern pacemakers, it is still a precautionary measure. Placing the phone on the ear opposite the pacemaker reduces the likelihood of any potential electromagnetic interaction.
Choice B rationale:
The instruction in choice B, "Avoid showering for the first 2 weeks following surgery,”. is not appropriate. There is no need for the client to avoid showering after pacemaker insertion. In fact, maintaining good hygiene is essential to prevent infection at the incision site. The client can take a shower, but they should avoid soaking the incision area and patting it dry afterward.
Choice C rationale:
The instruction in choice C, "Avoid heavy lifting for 1 week following insertion,”. is not the best option. The recommended timeframe to avoid heavy lifting after a pacemaker insertion is usually around 4 to 6 weeks. This duration allows the surgical site to heal properly and reduces the risk of dislodging the pacemaker leads or causing damage.
Choice D rationale:
The instruction in choice D, "Stand at least 2 feet away while using a microwave,”. is not directly related to pacemaker care. While it is generally recommended to maintain a safe distance from microwaves during use, this instruction is not specific to clients with pacemakers.
A nurse is teaching an older adult client about fall prevention strategies at home. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will secure electric cords under the carpeting.".
Is not a safe fall prevention strategy. Securing cords under carpeting can create tripping hazards. It is better to keep cords away from commonly used walking paths or use cord covers to prevent falls.
B. "I should purchase a skid-proof bathtub mat.".
Purchasing a skid-proof bathtub mat is a good fall-prevention strategy for an older adult client. It helps prevent slipping and falling in the bathroom, which is a common area for accidents in older adults.
C. "I will wear shoes with leather soles in my house.".
Is not a recommended fall prevention strategy. Leather soles can be slippery on smooth surfaces, increasing the risk of falls. Instead, the client should wear shoes with rubber soles that provide better traction.
D. "I will get some rubber-backed throw rugs for my vinyl floors.".
Is not the best option. Throw rugs, even with rubber backing, can still shift or bunch up, posing a tripping hazard. It's safer to avoid using throw rugs altogether or ensure they are firmly secured to the floor.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Is not a safe fall prevention strategy. Securing cords under carpeting can create tripping hazards. It is better to keep cords away from commonly used walking paths or use cord covers to prevent falls.
Choice B rationale:
Purchasing a skid-proof bathtub mat is a good fall-prevention strategy for an older adult client. It helps prevent slipping and falling in the bathroom, which is a common area for accidents in older adults.
Choice C rationale:
Is not a recommended fall prevention strategy. Leather soles can be slippery on smooth surfaces, increasing the risk of falls. Instead, the client should wear shoes with rubber soles that provide better traction.
Choice D rationale:
Is not the best option. Throw rugs, even with rubber backing, can still shift or bunch up, posing a tripping hazard. It's safer to avoid using throw rugs altogether or ensure they are firmly secured to the floor.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy of the left breast with axillary lymph node dissection. Which of the following exercises should the nurse instruct the client to start on the first postoperative day?
A. Tugging on a pulley rope with both hands.
Is not suitable for a client who has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. This exercise may put a strain on the surgical site and cause discomfort or injury.
B. Swinging a rope in a circular motion with the left hand.
Is also not appropriate for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves using the left hand extensively, which could potentially disrupt the healing process and cause pain.
C. "Walking”. up a wall with both hands.
Is not recommended for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves significant upper body movement, which may not be well-tolerated after surgery, especially with lymph node dissection.
D. Squeezing and releasing a ball in the left hand.
This exercise is suitable for a postoperative mastectomy client as it helps in maintaining hand and arm mobility without putting excessive strain on the surgical site. It also aids in preventing complications like lymphedema, which is a potential concern after lymph node dissection.
Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Is not suitable for a client who has undergone a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection. This exercise may put a strain on the surgical site and cause discomfort or injury.
Choice B rationale:
Is also not appropriate for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves using the left hand extensively, which could potentially disrupt the healing process and cause pain.
Choice C rationale:
Is not recommended for a postoperative mastectomy client. It involves significant upper body movement, which may not be well-tolerated after surgery, especially with lymph node dissection.
Choice D rationale:
This exercise is suitable for a postoperative mastectomy client as it helps in maintaining hand and arm mobility without putting excessive strain on the surgical site. It also aids in preventing complications like lymphedema, which is a potential concern after lymph node dissection.