Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A patient's health history is suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease. Which of the following would suggest Crohn's disease, rather than ulcerative colitis, as the cause of the patient's signs and symptoms?
A. Severe diarrhea
Severe diarrhea can be a symptom of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and does not specifically indicate one over the other.
B. Involvement of the rectal mucosa
Involvement of the rectal mucosa is more indicative of ulcerative colitis rather than Crohn's disease, as Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.
C. An absence of blood in stool
The presence or absence of blood in stool is not a definitive indicator of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as both conditions can involve bleeding.
D. A pattern of distinct exacerbations and remissions
This statement is correct. A pattern of distinct exacerbations and remissions is more characteristic of Crohn's disease, whereas ulcerative colitis often presents with continuous, chronic symptoms.
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:
Severe diarrhea can be a symptom of both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and does not specifically indicate one over the other.
Choice B reason:
Involvement of the rectal mucosa is more indicative of ulcerative colitis rather than Crohn's disease, as Crohn's disease can affect any part of the digestive tract.
Choice C reason:
The presence or absence of blood in stool is not a definitive indicator of either Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, as both conditions can involve bleeding.
Choice D reason:
This statement is correct. A pattern of distinct exacerbations and remissions is more characteristic of Crohn's disease, whereas ulcerative colitis often presents with continuous, chronic symptoms.
Similar Questions
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.
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.
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