Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
In preparation for a patient having a Schilling test, the nurse should explain that the test:
A. will confirm a diagnosis of G6PD anemia.
The Schilling test is not used to diagnose G6PD anemia, which is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to break down when exposed to certain substances. The Schilling test is used to measure how well the body absorbs vitamin B12 from the intestine. ¹²
B. requires the patient to be NPO for 12 hours prior to the test.
The Schilling test does not require the patient to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 12 hours prior to the test. The patient can drink water, but should avoid food for 8 hours before the test. ²
C. is a 24-hour urine specimen collection test.
The Schilling test is a 24-hour urine specimen collection test. The patient is given a dose of radioactive vitamin B12 by mouth and another dose of nonradioactive vitamin B12 by injection. The urine is collected for 24 hours to measure how much of the radioactive vitamin B12 is excreted. This indicates how well the body absorbs vitamin B12 from the intestine. ¹²
D. entails administration of methylcellulose prior to the test.
The Schilling test does not entail administration of methylcellulose prior to the test. Methylcellulose is a type of laxative that can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. The patient should avoid taking any laxatives, antacids, or antibiotics before the test. ²³
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Med Surg Nursing 200 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: The Schilling test is not used to diagnose G6PD anemia, which is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to break down when exposed to certain substances. The Schilling test is used to measure how well the body absorbs vitamin B12 from the intestine. ¹²
Choice B reason: The Schilling test does not require the patient to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 12 hours prior to the test. The patient can drink water, but should avoid food for 8 hours before the test. ²
Choice C reason: The Schilling test is a 24-hour urine specimen collection test. The patient is given a dose of radioactive vitamin B12 by mouth and another dose of nonradioactive vitamin B12 by injection. The urine is collected for 24 hours to measure how much of the radioactive vitamin B12 is excreted. This indicates how well the body absorbs vitamin B12 from the intestine. ¹²
Choice D reason: The Schilling test does not entail administration of methylcellulose prior to the test. Methylcellulose is a type of laxative that can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. The patient should avoid taking any laxatives, antacids, or antibiotics before the test. ²³
Similar Questions
The nurse administers the first dose of metoprolol 10 mg PO to a client. Which nursing action is most appropriate following the administration of this medication?
A. Place the call bell in reach of the client.
Placing the call bell in reach of the client is the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol, a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate. ¹ The client may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting as side effects of the medication, especially after the first dose. ² The call bell allows the client to alert the nurse if they need assistance or experience any adverse reactions.
B. Take a pulse oximetry reading.
Taking a pulse oximetry reading is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which is not directly affected by metoprolol. ³ A more relevant vital sign to monitor is the blood pressure and heart rate, which can indicate the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
C. Record the client's weight.
Recording the client's weight is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Weight is not a sensitive indicator of the immediate effects of metoprolol. Weight may be monitored periodically to assess the client's fluid status and possible signs of heart failure, which metoprolol can help prevent. ¹ However, this is not a priority action after the first dose of the medication.
D. Encourage oral fluids.
Encouraging oral fluids is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Oral fluids may help prevent dehydration and constipation, which can occur as side effects of metoprolol. ² However, excessive fluid intake may worsen the client's blood pressure and heart function, which metoprolol aims to improve. The nurse should advise the client to drink fluids as directed by the provider and report any signs of fluid overload, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or weight gain.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Placing the call bell in reach of the client is the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol, a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and heart rate. ¹ The client may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting as side effects of the medication, especially after the first dose. ² The call bell allows the client to alert the nurse if they need assistance or experience any adverse reactions.
Choice B reason: Taking a pulse oximetry reading is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Pulse oximetry measures the oxygen saturation of the blood, which is not directly affected by metoprolol. ³ A more relevant vital sign to monitor is the blood pressure and heart rate, which can indicate the effectiveness and safety of the medication.
Choice C reason: Recording the client's weight is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Weight is not a sensitive indicator of the immediate effects of metoprolol. Weight may be monitored periodically to assess the client's fluid status and possible signs of heart failure, which metoprolol can help prevent. ¹ However, this is not a priority action after the first dose of the medication.
Choice D reason: Encouraging oral fluids is not the most appropriate nursing action following the administration of metoprolol. Oral fluids may help prevent dehydration and constipation, which can occur as side effects of metoprolol. ² However, excessive fluid intake may worsen the client's blood pressure and heart function, which metoprolol aims to improve. The nurse should advise the client to drink fluids as directed by the provider and report any signs of fluid overload, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or weight gain.
During an admission assessment of a client, the nurse palpates enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Which question should the nurse ask the client related to this finding?
A. Do you have a history of cardiac disease?
A history of cardiac disease is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Cardiac disease may affect the heart, blood vessels, and circulation, but not the lymphatic system. ¹
B. Have you had a recent infection?
A recent infection is a possible cause of enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and they swell when they are fighting an infection. ² The nurse should ask the client about any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or skin rash.
C. Are you having any shortness of breath?
Shortness of breath is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Shortness of breath may indicate a respiratory problem, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. ³ However, these conditions do not usually affect the lymph nodes in the armpit area.
D. Have you had surgery on your neck?
Surgery on the neck is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Surgery on the neck may affect the lymph nodes in the neck or the collarbone area, but not the lymph nodes in the armpit area. The nurse should ask the client about any history of surgery or trauma to the lymph nodes or the surrounding tissues.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A history of cardiac disease is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Cardiac disease may affect the heart, blood vessels, and circulation, but not the lymphatic system. ¹
Choice B reason: A recent infection is a possible cause of enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and they swell when they are fighting an infection. ² The nurse should ask the client about any signs or symptoms of infection, such as fever, sore throat, or skin rash.
Choice C reason: Shortness of breath is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Shortness of breath may indicate a respiratory problem, such as asthma, bronchitis, or pneumonia. ³ However, these conditions do not usually affect the lymph nodes in the armpit area.
Choice D reason: Surgery on the neck is not directly related to enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Surgery on the neck may affect the lymph nodes in the neck or the collarbone area, but not the lymph nodes in the armpit area. The nurse should ask the client about any history of surgery or trauma to the lymph nodes or the surrounding tissues.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia as the result of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. What discharge instruction should the nurse provide if this client is also prescribed aspirin 81 mg daily?
A. Take a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime.
Taking a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. ¹ Taking aspirin at bedtime may increase the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug and worsen the bleeding. ² Cold water may also irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort.
B. You can take 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time.
Taking 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Enteric coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine, not the stomach, to reduce the risk of GI bleeding. ³ However, orange juice is acidic and may damage the coating and release the aspirin in the stomach. ⁴ This may increase the bleeding and cause pain or ulcers.
C. It's ok to take the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening.
Taking the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that may interact with aspirin and increase the risk of bleeding. ⁵ Taking the aspirin in the evening may also have the same drawbacks as taking it at bedtime, as explained in choice A.
D. Take the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning.
Taking the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning is the best discharge instruction for this client. Milk and food can help protect the stomach lining from the irritating effects of aspirin and reduce the risk of bleeding. Taking the aspirin in the morning can also minimize the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug during the night, when the stomach is empty and more vulnerable. ²
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Taking a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. ¹ Taking aspirin at bedtime may increase the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug and worsen the bleeding. ² Cold water may also irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort.
Choice B reason: Taking 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Enteric coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine, not the stomach, to reduce the risk of GI bleeding. ³ However, orange juice is acidic and may damage the coating and release the aspirin in the stomach. ⁴ This may increase the bleeding and cause pain or ulcers.
Choice C reason: Taking the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that may interact with aspirin and increase the risk of bleeding. ⁵ Taking the aspirin in the evening may also have the same drawbacks as taking it at bedtime, as explained in choice A.
Choice D reason: Taking the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning is the best discharge instruction for this client. Milk and food can help protect the stomach lining from the irritating effects of aspirin and reduce the risk of bleeding. Taking the aspirin in the morning can also minimize the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug during the night, when the stomach is empty and more vulnerable. ²
