The proton pump inhibitor Esomeprazole (Nexium) is prescribed for a client who incurred extensive burn injuries 5 days ago. Which nursing assessment would best evaluate the effectiveness of the drug?
Bowel sounds.
Stool frequency.
Abdominal distention.
Fecal occult blood test.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Bowel sounds are a general indicator of intestinal activity and can be assessed in patients with various conditions. However, they are not specific to the effectiveness of Esomeprazole, which is primarily used to reduce gastric acid production and prevent stress ulcers, particularly in patients with burn injuries⁷.
Choice B reason:
Stool frequency may indicate gastrointestinal motility and function but does not directly assess the effectiveness of Esomeprazole. This drug's main role is to decrease stomach acidity, which would not necessarily change stool frequency unless there was a pre-existing issue related to acid production⁷.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal distention can be caused by a variety of factors, including gas, fluid, or enlargement of organs. While it's important to monitor in burn patients, it does not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of Esomeprazole in preventing gastric acid-related complications⁷.
Choice D reason:
A fecal occult blood test is used to detect bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which could signify the development of stress ulcers. Since Esomeprazole is prescribed to prevent such ulcers by reducing stomach acid, this test is a direct measure of the drug's effectiveness in burn patients⁷.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: A sensation of being cold can occur as the body's circulation diminishes and blood flow to the extremities decreases.
Choice B reason: A heightened sense of hearing is not typically a sign of impending death; this choice is incorrect.
Choice C reason: Difficulty swallowing can be a sign of impending death due to the body's muscles weakening and a decrease in reflexes.
Choice D reason: Tachycardia may occur as the heart tries to compensate for decreased function in other systems.
Choice E reason: Cheyne-Stokes respirations, characterized by a pattern of irregular breathing, are a common sign of impending death.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Bed rest is not a specific treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. While rest may be part of preoperative care, it does not address the underlying issue of the disease⁹.
Choice B reason: Surgery is the definitive treatment for Hirschsprung's disease. The pull-through procedure is commonly used to remove the affected section of the colon and connect the healthy part to the anus⁷.
Choice C reason: An NG tube may be used for decompression if there is a bowel obstruction, but it is not a treatment for Hirschsprung's disease itself. Surgery is required to correct the absence of nerve cells in the colon⁹.
Choice D reason: A high-fiber diet is not recommended before surgery as it may increase the risk of enterocolitis and bowel obstruction in patients with Hirschsprung's disease⁹.
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