A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who will undergo a colonoscopy the following week. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Restrict the diet to clear liquids for 1 to 3 days before the procedure.
Expect the provider to schedule another procedure to remove any polyps.
Do not eat or drink anything except water for 12 hours before the procedure.
Administer enemas 2 days before the procedure.
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale: A clear liquid diet 1 to 3 days before a colonoscopy minimizes residue in the colon, enhancing mucosal visualization and reducing the risk of missed lesions. Clear liquids include water, broth, tea, and gelatin, which are easily absorbed and leave minimal waste. This dietary preparation complements bowel cleansing agents like polyethylene glycol. Inadequate preparation can obscure polyps or inflammation. Normal stool consistency should be absent during the procedure to ensure optimal diagnostic accuracy.
Choice B rationale: Polypectomy is typically performed during the colonoscopy itself if polyps are detected. Most polyps are removed using snares or biopsy forceps during the same session, reducing the need for a second procedure. Scheduling another procedure is reserved for complex or large lesions requiring advanced techniques. Delaying removal increases the risk of progression to malignancy. Normal colonoscopy findings include pink mucosa and absence of polyps; any deviation warrants immediate intervention when feasible.
Choice C rationale: Restricting intake to only water for 12 hours before the procedure is insufficient and potentially misleading. Colonoscopy preparation requires both dietary modification and pharmacologic bowel cleansing, not just fasting. Water alone does not clear the colon of fecal matter. Additionally, fasting without electrolyte replacement may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Normal serum potassium ranges from 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L; inadequate preparation may cause hypokalemia, especially with laxative use.
Choice D rationale: Enemas are not routinely recommended 2 days before colonoscopy. They may be used adjunctively on the day of the procedure for distal colon cleansing but are insufficient for full bowel preparation. Oral bowel prep agents like polyethylene glycol are preferred for complete evacuation. Enemas only reach the rectosigmoid region and do not cleanse the ascending or transverse colon. Incomplete prep compromises mucosal visualization and diagnostic yield, increasing false-negative rates.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Elevate the head of the client's bed for 1 hr after the feeding. This is because elevating the head of the client's bed to at least 30 degrees can help prevent aspiration and gastric reflux. Choice B is incorrect because administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea. Choice C is incorrect because rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site. Choice D is incorrect because flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is not necessary as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding.
Explanation for why the other choices are not answers: B – Administering the feeding solution at a cold temperature can cause discomfort and diarrhea, so it should not be done. C – Rotating the jejunostomy tube once per day can cause irritation and trauma to the stoma site, so this is not the correct action. D – Flushing the tube with 90 mL of sterile water before and after the feeding is unnecessary to do as long as the tube is adequately flushed before and after each feeding. Thus, this is not the correct answer.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Monitor for at least 150 mL of drainage every hour. The nurse should monitor the chest tube drainage for excessive or sudden increases in order to detect any complications, such as pneumothorax. Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications. Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided. The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
Choice B: Clamping the tube for 30 minutes every 8 hours is not standard practice and can cause complications.
Choice C: Pinning the tubing to the client's bed sheets can cause traction on the chest tube and should be avoided.
Choice D: The chest tube unit should only be replaced when there is a problem with the unit or the seals.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
