FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
Lewis Med-Surg Test-Bank! Chapter 45 Exam
Practice Questions and Answers
A patient with acute diarrhea of 24 hours' duration calls the clinic to ask for directions for care. In talking
with the patient, what should the nurse do?
a. Ask the patient to describe the character of the stools and any associated symptoms.
b. Advise the patient to use over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow gastrointestinal motility.
c. Inform the patient that laboratory testing of blood and stool specimens will be necessary.
d. Advise the patient to drink clear liquid fluids with electrolytes, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. -
Ans:✔✔-*ANS: A*
The nurse's initial response should be further assessment of the patient. The other responses may be
appropriate, depending on what is learned in the assessment.
A 78-year-old patient is transferred to the hospital from a nursing home on developing abdominal pain
and watery, incontinent diarrhea following a course of antibiotic therapy for pneumonia. Stool cultures
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FIRST PUBLISH OCTOBER 2024
reveal the presence of Clostridium difficile. In planning care for the patient, the nurse will do which of
the following?
a. Order a diet with no dairy products for the patient.
b. Place the patient in a private room with contact isolation.
c. Explain to the patient why antibiotics are not being used.
d. Teach the patient about proper food handling and storage. - Ans:✔✔-*ANS: B*
Because C. difficile is highly contagious, the patient should be placed in a private room and contact
precautions should be used.
Psyllium (Metamucil) is prescribed for a patient with chronic constipation. In teaching the patient about
chronic constipation, what should the nurse stress?
a.The use of bulk-forming laxatives is safe, and they do not cause any adverse effects.
b.At least 3000 mL of fluid daily must be taken to prevent impaction or bowel obstruction.
c.Dietary sources of fibre should be eliminated from the diet to prevent excessive gas formation.
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