Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is teaching a group of adults about screening and prevention of colorectal cancer. The nurse should describe which of the following as the most common sign of possible colon cancer?
A. Abdominal bloating and flank pain
Abdominal bloating and flank pain may be associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, but they are not the most common signs of possible colon cancer.
B. Change in bowel habits
This statement is correct. A change in bowel habits, such as persistent constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool consistency, is the most common sign of possible colon cancer.
C. Unexplained weight gain
Unexplained weight gain is not typically associated with colon cancer; unexplained weight loss may be more indicative.
D. Development of new hemorrhoids
The development of new hemorrhoids is not a common sign of possible colon cancer.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 6. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Abdominal bloating and flank pain may be associated with various gastrointestinal conditions, but they are not the most common signs of possible colon cancer.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. A change in bowel habits, such as persistent constipation, diarrhea, or a change in stool consistency, is the most common sign of possible colon cancer.
Choice C reason:
Unexplained weight gain is not typically associated with colon cancer; unexplained weight loss may be more indicative.
Choice D reason:
The development of new hemorrhoids is not a common sign of possible colon cancer.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for an older adult who has been experiencing severe Clostridium difficile- related diarrhea. When reviewing the patient's most recent laboratory tests, the nurse should prioritize which of the following?
A. Creatinine level
Monitoring creatinine levels is important, but it may not be the top priority in this situation.
B. Potassium level
This statement is correct. Given the severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile infection, monitoring potassium levels is crucial to identify and address potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications.
C. White blood cell levels
Monitoring white blood cell levels is important in the context of infection, but potassium levels are more directly relevant to managing severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile.
D. Hemoglobin level
Hemoglobin levels are important for assessing anemia, but in this context, monitoring potassium levels takes precedence due to the potential for electrolyte imbalances from severe diarrhea.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Monitoring creatinine levels is important, but it may not be the top priority in this situation.
Choice B reason:
This statement is correct. Given the severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile infection, monitoring potassium levels is crucial to identify and address potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications.
Choice C reason:
Monitoring white blood cell levels is important in the context of infection, but potassium levels are more directly relevant to managing severe diarrhea associated with Clostridium difficile.
Choice D reason:
Hemoglobin levels are important for assessing anemia, but in this context, monitoring potassium levels takes precedence due to the potential for electrolyte imbalances from severe diarrhea.
A child is to receive dexamethasone (Decadron) intravenously at the ordered dosage of 7.6 mg. The drug concentration in the vial is 4 mg/mL. The nurse should administer how many ml?
Full Explanation
Calculation:
Dosage ordered = 7.6 mg
Drug concentration = 4 mg/mL
7.6 mg / 4 mg/mL = 1.9 mL
A patient with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease has just been prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). How should the nurse best describe this medication's therapeutic action?
A. "This medication will make the lining of your stomach more resistant to damage."
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces acid secretion in the stomach, but it doesn't directly make the stomach lining more resistant to damage.
B. "This medication will specifically address the pain that accompanies peptic ulcer disease."
While omeprazole can alleviate pain associated with peptic ulcer disease, its primary action is related to acid reduction.
C. "This medication will help your stomach lining to repair itself."
Omeprazole primarily reduces acid secretion and doesn't directly facilitate the repair of the stomach lining.
D. "This medication will reduce the amount of acid secreted in your stomach."
This statement is correct. Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors, which work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healing in conditions like peptic ulcer disease.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces acid secretion in the stomach, but it doesn't directly make the stomach lining more resistant to damage.
Choice B reason:
While omeprazole can alleviate pain associated with peptic ulcer disease, its primary action is related to acid reduction.
Choice C reason:
Omeprazole primarily reduces acid secretion and doesn't directly facilitate the repair of the stomach lining.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. Omeprazole belongs to a class of medications known as proton pump inhibitors, which work by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach. This helps to alleviate symptoms and promote healing in conditions like peptic ulcer disease.