Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient who periodically has small streaks of fresh red blood in his ... (Read 29 times)

piesebel · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient who periodically has small streaks of fresh red blood in his stool. The patient denies abdominal pain or loss of appetite. What is the most likely cause of this patient's bleeding?

a. Hemorrhoids
b. Bleeding gastric ulcer
c. Colon polyps
d. Perforated colon

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized patient with hyperparathyroid disease and a serum calcium level of 14.2 mg/dL. What is the priority intervention of the nurse?

a. Instruct the patient to always call for assistance before getting out of bed.
b. Assist the patient to change into dry clothing after episodes of diaphoresis.
c. Teach stress-relieving techniques, including progressive muscle relaxation.
d. Measure urine output hourly and notify physician if urine output is less than 30 mL/hr.

momtoalll · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Bleeding hemorrhoids can lead to small streaks of fresh red blood in the stool. Bleeding gastric ulcer would lead to black, tarry stools as the blood is digested. Colon polyps do not cause bleeding.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The patient with hypercalcemia should always call for assistance before getting out of bed because of the risk of falling as a result of muscle weakness, soft bones, and lethargy. Diaphoresis and decreased urine output are not common symptoms of hypercalcemia. Teaching stress-relieving techniques is not a priority, especially since lethargy and stupor are symptoms of hypercalcemia.