1 :

6 months ago, 0845:

Client is alert and oriented. Physical assessment shows diminished lung sounds bilaterally; no adventitious sounds noted. Hypoactive bowel sounds, abdomen soft. Client reports issues with constipation. Last bowel movement was 4 days ago. Skin is warm and dry. Client educated about ways to prevent constipation. Will schedule another appointment in 6 months.

Today, 1030:

Client is alert and oriented but states they feel tired. Lung sounds clear bilaterally; no adventitious sounds noted. Hypoactive bowel sounds, abdomen distended. Client reports abdominal pain and rates it as 4 on a scale of O to I O. Continues to have constipation and states stools are dark brown to black in color and ribbon-like. Last bowel movement was 4 days ago.

6 months ago, 0845:

Blood pressure 130/78 mm Hg

Heart rate 88/min

Respiratory rate 16/min

Oxygen saturation 98% on room air

Temperature 35.9°C (96.7°F)

Height 152.4 cm (60 in)

weight 112.7 kg (248 lb)

Today, 1030:

Blood pressure 88/58 mm Hg

Heart rate 108/min

Respiratory rate 24/min

Oxygen saturation 96% on room air

Temperature 37.2°C (99.0°F)

Height 152.4 cm (60 in)

Weight 110 kg (220 lb)

6 months ago, 0845:

Hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL (12 to 16 g/dL)

Hematocrit 38% (37% to 47%)

Potassium 3.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L)

Sodium 140 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L

Calcium 10.3 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL)

Creatinine 0.9 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.2 mg/dL)

BUN 17 mg/dL (IO to 20 mg/dL)

Glucose 129 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)

Today  ,1030:

Hemoglobin 7.5 g/dL (12 to 16 g/dL)

Hematocrit 33% (37% to 47%)

Potassium 3.5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L)

Sodium 136 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L

Calcium 10.4 mg/dL (9.0 to 10.5 mg/dL)

Creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.2 mg/dL)

BIJN 22 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)

Glucose 110 mg/dL (74 to 106 mg/dL)

6 months ago, 0845:

A 78-year-old client was seen in the clinic today for a physical.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Ulcerative colitis

Family history.

Brother died of colon cancer 2 years ago.

Social history.

1 pack a day cigarette smoker for the past SO years

Drinks a 6-pack of beer after work every day


Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the health care provider? Select all that apply.


Answer Options

Hint : 🩸 Black stool + low Hgb.

Correct Answers:

  • Weight
  • Frequency of bowel movements
  • Hemoglobin
  • Stool color
  • Pain
  • Blood pressure


Rationale :

Weight

🔷 The client’s weight dropped from 112.7 kg (248 lb) to 110 kg (220 lb), which is a significant unintentional weight loss.

🔷 Unplanned weight loss in an older adult raises concern for malignancy or chronic GI disease progression.

🔷 In the context of ribbon-like stools and dark stools, weight loss strengthens suspicion for a possible colonic mass or GI bleeding source.

🔷 Weight trends help the provider assess nutritional decline and severity of illness.

🔷 Reporting this supports urgent evaluation and expedited diagnostic workup.

Frequency of bowel movements

🔷 The client reports no bowel movement for 4 days with ongoing constipation and abdominal distention.

🔷 Persistent constipation with new stool caliber changes (ribbon-like) is concerning for bowel obstruction or colon tumor.

🔷 Hypoactive bowel sounds and distention suggest slowed GI motility that may be worsening.

🔷 This pattern requires prompt provider assessment to prevent complications like impaction or obstruction.

🔷 Reporting frequency changes helps guide urgent imaging, GI referral, and interventions.

Hemoglobin

🔷 The hemoglobin dropped sharply from 12.5 g/dL to 7.5 g/dL, indicating severe anemia.

🔷 This degree of anemia can cause fatigue, tachycardia, and shortness of breath, which the client is demonstrating.

🔷 Such a rapid decline strongly suggests active or chronic blood loss, especially with dark stools.

🔷 A hemoglobin this low may require urgent management such as type and screen, iron studies, transfusion evaluation, and investigation for bleeding.

🔷 Immediate reporting is critical because it represents a high-risk, potentially unstable condition.

Stool color

🔷 The client reports stools that are dark brown to black, which can indicate melena (upper GI bleeding) or significant GI blood loss.

🔷 In combination with severe anemia (Hgb 7.5), stool color strongly supports a bleeding source.

🔷 The stool is also described as ribbon-like, which increases concern for a colonic narrowing/mass.

🔷 Stool color changes are a key red-flag symptom that requires prompt diagnostic evaluation.

🔷 Reporting this helps prioritize urgent testing such as fecal occult blood, colonoscopy planning, and stabilization.

Pain

🔷 The client now reports abdominal pain (4/10) with distention and chronic constipation.

🔷 New or worsening abdominal pain with altered stool caliber can indicate obstruction, inflammation, or malignancy-related narrowing.

🔷 Pain plus hypoactive bowel sounds suggests decreased GI movement and possible progression of a serious condition.

🔷 In an older adult with ulcerative colitis and family history of colon cancer, abdominal pain warrants urgent escalation.

🔷 Reporting pain supports timely imaging and GI evaluation to prevent deterioration.

Blood pressure

🔷 The blood pressure is 88/58 mm Hg, which is hypotension and clinically significant.

🔷 Hypotension with tachycardia (108/min) and low hemoglobin suggests possible hemodynamic compromise from blood loss.

🔷 This combination indicates reduced oxygen delivery and risk of shock, especially in an older adult.

🔷 Immediate reporting allows rapid intervention (IV access, fluids, further labs, possible transfer).

🔷 This is a priority red flag because it signals potential instability.

Potassium

🔷Potassium is 3.5 mEq/L, which is within the expected reference range (low-normal) and not the most urgent abnormality.

🔷 It should be monitored, but it does not explain the severe anemia and hypotension requiring immediate escalation.

Blood glucose

🔷 Glucose is 110 mg/dL, only slightly above the reference range and not an immediate threat compared with hypotension and hemoglobin decline.

🔷 The current urgent concern is potential GI bleeding/colon pathology, not acute glucose instability.


Distractor Analysis :

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2 :

Hint : 💩 Opioids slow gut.

Correct Answers:

  • Impaction


Rationale :

🔶 Opioids slow GI peristalsis by decreasing intestinal motility, which strongly increases constipation risk.

🔶 When a client is unable to perform most physical activity, reduced movement further worsens bowel motility.

🔶 Over time, retained stool becomes dry and hard, leading to fecal impaction.

🔶 Impaction can cause abdominal distention, pain, nausea, and even paradoxical seepage around the blockage.

🔶 For palliative clients on opioids, prevention with bowel regimen + hydration (as tolerated) is a key nursing priority.

Mucositis

🔶 This is most commonly associated with chemotherapy/radiation, not opioids.

🔶 Opioids do not directly damage oral mucosa.

Diarrhea

🔶 Opioids typically cause constipation, not diarrhea.

🔶 Diarrhea is more likely with infections, enteral feeds, or some chemo agents.

Bleeding

🔶 Opioids do not usually cause bleeding as an expected effect.

🔶 Bleeding is more consistent with thrombocytopenia, GI lesions, or anticoagulants.


Distractor Analysis :

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3 :

Hint : 🍆 Implant or vacuum therapy.

Correct Answers:

  • Penile implant
  • Pelvic floor physical therapy
  • Vacuum devices


Rationale :

Penile implant

🔷 A penile implant is a reliable option for erectile dysfunction when conservative therapies are ineffective.

🔷 It directly restores the ability to achieve an erection by providing mechanical rigidity.

🔷 This option is especially useful after prostate surgery when nerve pathways or vascular responses are impaired.

🔷 Implants can improve sexual function, confidence, and quality of life when ED persists long-term.

🔷 The client must receive teaching on surgical risks, infection prevention, and device operation.

Pelvic floor physical therapy

🔷 Pelvic floor therapy strengthens pelvic musculature (including muscles involved in erectile function and continence).

🔷 After prostate surgery, improving pelvic floor control supports better blood flow mechanics and muscle coordination during arousal.

🔷 It can also improve urinary continence, which often contributes to sexual confidence and performance.

🔷 This is a noninvasive therapy that may be part of penile rehabilitation early after surgery.

🔷 Consistent exercises (e.g., Kegels) can gradually improve function and reduce ED-related distress.

Vacuum devices

🔷 Vacuum erection devices draw blood into the penis using negative pressure, producing an erection mechanically.

🔷 They are useful after prostate surgery because they do not depend fully on nerve integrity.

🔷 Regular use may help maintain penile tissue oxygenation and reduce tissue changes associated with prolonged ED.

🔷 These devices can be used alone or with other therapies as part of a structured rehabilitation plan.

🔷 Teaching should include proper sizing and safe use of the constriction ring to prevent skin injury or impaired circulation.

Prescription for alpha blockers

🔷 Alpha blockers primarily treat urinary symptoms (e.g., BPH) by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate.

🔷 They do not treat erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery and can sometimes cause dizziness/hypotension, which may complicate recovery.

Indwelling urinary catheter

🔷 An indwelling catheter is used for urinary drainage and postoperative bladder management, not erectile function.

🔷 It does not improve erections and may increase risk for UTI and discomfort if used unnecessarily.


Distractor Analysis :

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4 :

Hint : 🩸 Urine/semen bleeding sign.

Correct Answers:

  • Blood in the urine or semen


Rationale :

🟦 As prostate cancer progresses, local tissue involvement can irritate or invade nearby structures, causing hematuria or blood in semen.

🟦 This finding is clinically significant because it may reflect worsening local disease or urinary tract involvement.

🟦 It also warrants prompt evaluation for obstruction, infection, or tumor-related bleeding.

🟦 In prostate cancer, urinary/ejaculatory changes are key symptoms nurses should recognize as concerning.

🟦 Reporting and follow-up supports timely staging workup and treatment planning.

A dark-colored or elevated lesion

🟦This description fits skin cancer (e.g., melanoma), not prostate cancer.

🟦It is unrelated to prostate tumor progression.

An enlarged liver or gallbladder

🟦This points more toward hepatic/biliary disease, not typical prostate cancer progression findings.

🟦Prostate cancer more commonly spreads to bone rather than causing gallbladder enlargement.

Anemia due to long-term bleeding

🟦Anemia can occur, but “long-term bleeding” is not a classic hallmark of advancing prostate cancer in this context.

🟦The more direct and expected manifestation from the options is blood in urine or semen.


Distractor Analysis :

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5 :

Hint : 🧤 Chemo = gloves on.

Correct Answers:

  • Pair of chemotherapy gloves


Rationale :

🟣 Oral chemotherapy is considered hazardous medication, and tablets/capsules can expose skin to drug residue.

🟣 Wearing chemotherapy-rated gloves protects the nurse from absorption and contamination during handling and administration.

🟣 This reduces occupational exposure risk, especially if pills are crushed unintentionally or if there is residue on packaging.

🟣 Gloves are a standard safety measure under hazardous drug handling precautions.

🟣 Safe handling protects both staff and the environment from cytotoxic exposure.

Specialized chemotherapy mask

🟣 Masks are mainly required when there is risk of aerosolization (e.g., powder, splashes) rather than routine oral administration.

🟣 Standard oral dosing typically prioritizes gloves first.

Face shield

🟣 A face shield is used when splash risk is high, such as handling liquid chemo or cleaning spills.

🟣 It is not routinely required for simple oral administration.

Chemotherapy gown

🟣Gowns may be needed if there’s risk of contamination (spills, crushing, body fluid exposure), but the essential baseline for oral chemo is chemo gloves.

🟣The question asks what “should occur,” making gloves the best answer.


Distractor Analysis :

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6 :

Hint : 🧪 Use ratio method.

Correct Answers:

  • 10


Rationale :

✍️Ordered dose = hydrocodone 5 mg.

✍️Available concentration = 7.5 mg per 15 mL.

✍️ Set up ratio: 5 mg/7.5 mg×15 mL

✍️ Compute: 5/7.5=0.6667; 0.6667×15

➡️ 10 mL


Distractor Analysis :

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7 :

Hint : ❤️ CPR can restore pulse.

Correct Answers:

  • "Clinical death can be restored by CPR."


Rationale :

🌟 Clinical death refers to the absence of breathing and circulation (no pulse), which can sometimes be reversed if treated promptly.

🌟 CPR can temporarily support circulation and oxygenation while the underlying cause is corrected.

🌟 Rapid intervention improves survival because irreversible brain injury begins after several minutes without oxygen.

🌟 Brain death, in contrast, is irreversible loss of all brain function and cannot be reversed by CPR.

🌟 The statement correctly recognizes clinical death as potentially reversible.

“Brain death can be restored by CPR."

🌟Brain death is irreversible and indicates permanent loss of brain activity.

🌟CPR cannot restore brain function once brain death is declared.

“Clinical death means that the client will be on a ventilator."

🌟 Ventilator use does not define clinical death.

🌟 Clinical death is defined by no circulation and no respirations, not mechanical ventilation.

“Clinical death can’t be reversed."

🌟 Clinical death can be reversible when CPR/defibrillation and rapid treatment occur.

🌟 Irreversibility is associated with prolonged downtime or brain death, not all clinical death.


Distractor Analysis :

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8 :

Hint : 🚑 Full code = CPR now.

Correct Answers:

  • The nurse should begin full cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR immediately.


Rationale :

💫 A full code status means the team must initiate full resuscitation efforts during cardiac arrest.

💫 Cardiac arrest requires immediate action to restore perfusion to the brain and vital organs.

💫 EEG activity does not replace the need for CPR when there is no effective circulation.

💫 Delays in CPR sharply reduce survival and neurologic outcomes.

💫 Immediate high-quality CPR is the correct priority response.

Begin chest compressions but hold rescue breathing.

💫CPR for adults includes compressions with ventilation support unless otherwise directed by current protocol and situation.

💫With full code status, provide full resuscitation, not partial.

Perform a head-to-toe assessment.

💫Assessment is secondary once arrest is confirmed.

💫The priority is immediate CPR and activation of emergency response.

Hold CPR until orders are confirmed.

💫 A full code client does not require additional confirmation to begin CPR in arrest.

💫 Waiting increases risk of death and irreversible injury.


Distractor Analysis :

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9 :

Hint : 🩻 Maps tumor blood flow.

Correct Answers:

  • "Angiography is used to see what blood vessels are supplying the tumor to assist with treatment."


Rationale :

🔶 Angiography visualizes blood vessels using contrast to map circulation patterns.

🔶 In cancer care, it can identify the vascular supply to a tumor, which helps with treatment planning.

🔶 This information supports procedures like targeted embolization or surgical planning by showing tumor perfusion.

🔶 It is a vascular imaging study, not a tissue sampling test.

🔶 The statement correctly explains angiography’s purpose in evaluating tumor blood supply.

"Angiography causes cancer cells to 'light'..."

🔶This describes imaging modalities like PET scanning where metabolic activity is highlighted, not angiography.

🔶Angiography highlights vessels, not cancer cells directly.

"Angiography collects tissue..."

🔶 Tissue collection is done through biopsy, not angiography.

🔶 Angiography is an imaging procedure using contrast.

"Angiography identifies the presence of bone tumors."

🔶Bone tumors are better evaluated with imaging like bone scan, MRI, CT, or PET depending on context.

🔶Angiography focuses on vascular structures, not primary bone tumor detection.


Distractor Analysis :

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10 :

Hint : 🫁 DNI = no tube.

Correct Answers:

  • Basic CPR with no intubation
  • Medications and chest compressions


Rationale :

Basic CPR with no intubation

🔷 DNI (Do Not Intubate) means the client refuses endotracheal intubation and mechanical airway placement.

🔷 DNI does not automatically mean DNR, so CPR measures may still be appropriate unless the client also has a DNR order.

🔷 The nurse should be prepared to provide basic CPR using noninvasive airway support such as a bag-valve-mask rather than inserting a breathing tube.

🔷 This supports oxygenation and circulation while respecting the client’s limitation on intubation.

🔷 Always confirm the exact order set (DNI vs DNR vs comfort measures) to match the client’s documented wishes.

Medications and chest compressions

🔷 A DNI order restricts intubation, but it can still allow full resuscitation medications and chest compressions if the client is not DNR.

🔷 In ACLS, medications (e.g., epinephrine, antiarrhythmics) can be administered during resuscitation without requiring a breathing tube.

🔷 Chest compressions are a core intervention to maintain circulation during cardiac arrest.

🔷 The nurse should prepare to implement medication administration and compressions while using noninvasive ventilation methods as needed.

🔷 The key is honoring the boundary: no invasive airway while still supporting circulation and pharmacologic resuscitation if permitted.

Ventilation with ventilator and chest compressions

🔷 A ventilator typically requires intubation (or another invasive airway), which violates a DNI directive.

🔷 Chest compressions may be allowed, but ventilator-based ventilation conflicts with the “no intubation” limitation.

Insertion of breathing tube and defibrillation

🔷 Insertion of a breathing tube is intubation and is not permitted under DNI.

🔷 Defibrillation may be allowed depending on the broader code status, but this option includes an intervention the client refuses.

Insertion of breathing tube and chest compressions

🔷 Chest compressions may be consistent with DNI if the client is not DNR, but breathing tube insertion is not.

🔷 This choice violates the central restriction of DNI: no intubation.


Distractor Analysis :

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Total Questions: 10

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