Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
A client in a long-term care facility has had a series of gastrointestinal (GI) diagnostic tests, including an upper and lower GI series and endoscopies. Upon return to the long-term care facility, which priority assessment should the nurse focus on?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Many of the diagnostic studies to identify GI disorders require that the GI tract be cleaned (usually with laxatives and enemas) before testing. In addition, the client most often takes nothing by mouth before and during the testing period. Because the studies may be done over a period that exceeds 24 hours, the client may become dehydrated and/or malnourished. Although the remaining options may be components of the assessment, the correct option is the priority.