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 C
Explanation
"I should consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day." This is an appropriate statement because consuming too much sodium is associated with an increased risk for hypertension.
Choice A is not correct because there is not enough evidence to support the idea that consuming fish once per week can prevent hypertension.
Choice B is not correct because maintaining a healthy weight is important, but is not as directly related to preventing hypertension as reducing sodium intake.
Choice D is not correct because exercising 30 minutes three times per week is not enough to prevent hypertension.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should identify an oral temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) as the priority finding in a client who is postoperative following a total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism. An elevated temperature can indicate infection, which is a risk after surgery. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage on dressings, serum calcium level 9.2 mg/dL, and report of a sore throat, respectively, are expected findings after a total thyroidectomy and do not require immediate action.
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