Chapter 42 Upper Gi and 43 Lower Gi Q

Question 1

8. The nurse explaining esomeprazole (Nexium) to a patient with recurring heartburn describes that the medication
   a. reduces gastroesophageal reflux by increasing the rate of gastric emptying.
   b. neutralizes stomach acid and provides relief of symptoms in a few minutes.
   c. coats and protects the lining of the stomach and esophagus from gastric acid.
   d. treats gastroesophageal reflux disease by decreasing stomach acid production.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The proton pump inhibitors decrease the rate of gastric acid secretion. Promotility drugs such as metoclopramide (Reglan) increase the rate of gastric emptying. Cryoprotective medications such as sucralfate (Carafate) protect the stomach. Antacids neutralize stomach acid and work rapidly.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 934
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
10. The nurse will anticipate teaching a patient experiencing frequent heartburn about

Question 2

10. The nurse will anticipate teaching a patient experiencing frequent heartburn about
    a. a barium swallow.
    b. radionuclide tests.
    c. endoscopy procedures.
    d. proton pump inhibitors.

Answer 2

ANS: D
Because diagnostic testing for heartburn that is probably caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is expensive and uncomfortable, proton pump inhibitors are frequently used for a short period as the first step in the diagnosis of GERD. The other tests may be used but are not usually the first step in diagnosis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 932-933
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 3

12. Which information will the nurse include for a patient with newly diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
    a. Peppermint tea may reduce your symptoms.
    b. Keep the head of your bed elevated on blocks.
    c. You should avoid eating between meals to reduce acid secretion.
    d. Vigorous physical activities may increase the incidence of reflux.

Answer 3

ANS: B
Elevating the head of the bed will reduce the incidence of reflux while the patient is sleeping. Peppermint will decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and increase the chance for reflux. Small, frequent meals are recommended to avoid abdominal distention. There is no need to make changes in physical activities because of GERD.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 935
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 4

13. Which nursing action should be included in the postoperative plan of care for a patient after a laparoscopic esophagectomy?
    a. Notify the doctor about bloody nasogastric (NG) drainage.
    b. Elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees.
    c. Reposition the NG tube if drainage stops.
    d. Start oral fluids when the patient has active bowel sounds.

Answer 4

NS: B
Elevation of the head of the bed decreases the risk for reflux and aspiration of gastric secretions. The NG tube should not be repositioned without consulting with the health care provider. Bloody NG drainage is expected for the first 8 to 12 hours. A swallowing study is needed before oral fluids are started.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 939
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 5

15. A 50-year-old man vomiting blood-streaked fluid is admitted to the hospital with acute gastritis. To determine possible risk factors for gastritis, the nurse will ask the patient about
    a. the amount of saturated fat in the diet.
    b. any family history of gastric or colon cancer.
    c. a history of a large recent weight gain or loss.
    d. use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Answer 5

ANS: D
Use of an NSAID is associated with damage to the gastric mucosa, which can result in acute gastritis. Family history, recent weight gain or loss, and fatty foods are not risk factors for acute gastritis.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 941
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 6

16. The nurse determines that teaching regarding cobalamin injections has been effective when the patient with chronic atrophic gastritis states which of the following?
    a. The cobalamin injections will prevent gastric inflammation.
    b. The cobalamin injections will prevent me from becoming anemic.
    c. These injections will increase the hydrochloric acid in my stomach.
    d. These injections will decrease my risk for developing stomach cancer.

Answer 6

ANS: B
Cobalamin supplementation prevents the development of pernicious anemia. Chronic gastritis may cause achlorhydria, but cobalamin does not correct this. The loss of intrinsic factor secretion with chronic gastritis is permanent, and the patient will need lifelong supplementation with cobalamin. The incidence of stomach cancer is higher in patients with chronic gastritis, but cobalamin does not reduce the risk for stomach cancer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 941-942
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 7

18. Which action should the nurse in the emergency department anticipate for a 23-year-old patient who has had several episodes of bloody diarrhea?
    a. Obtain a stool specimen for culture.
    b. Administer antidiarrheal medication.
    c. Provide teaching about antibiotic therapy.
    d. Teach about adverse effects of acetaminophen (Tylenol).
    ANS: A
    Patients with bloody diarrhea should have a stool culture for E. coli O157:H7. Antidiarrheal medications are usually avoided for possible infectious diarrhea to avoid prolonging the infection. Antibiotic therapy in the treatment of infectious diarrhea is controversial because it may precipitate kidney complications. Acetaminophen does not cause bloody diarrhea.
    DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 957
    TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Answer 7

19. The nurse will anticipate preparing a 71-year-old female patient who is vomiting coffee-ground emesis for
    a. endoscopy.
    b. angiography.
    c. barium studies.
    d. gastric analysis.
    ANS: A
    Endoscopy is the primary tool for visualization and diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Angiography is used only when endoscopy cannot be done because it is more invasive and has more possible complications. Barium studies are helpful in determining the presence of gastric lesions, but not whether the lesions are actively bleeding. Gastric analysis testing may help with determining the cause of gastric irritation, but it is not used for acute GI bleeding.
    DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 954
    TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 8

21. Which information will the nurse include when teaching a patient with peptic ulcer disease about the effect of ranitidine (Zantac)?
    a. Ranitidine absorbs the gastric acid.
    b. Ranitidine decreases gastric acid secretion.
    c. Ranitidine constricts the blood vessels near the ulcer.
    d. Ranitidine covers the ulcer with a protective material.

Answer 8

ANS: B
Ranitidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor blocker, which decreases the secretion of gastric acid. The response beginning, Ranitidine constricts the blood vessels describes the effect of vasopressin. The response Ranitidine absorbs the gastric acid describes the effect of antacids. The response beginning Ranitidine covers the ulcer describes the action of sucralfate (Carafate).
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 934
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 9

22. A family member of a 28-year-old patient who has suffered massive abdominal trauma in an automobile accident asks the nurse why the patient is receiving famotidine (Pepcid). The nurse will explain that the medication will
    a. decrease nausea and vomiting.
    b. inhibit development of stress ulcers.
    c. lower the risk for H. pylori infection.
    d. prevent aspiration of gastric contents.

Answer 9

ANS: B
Famotidine is administered to prevent the development of physiologic stress ulcers, which are associated with a major physiologic insult such as massive trauma. Famotidine does not decrease nausea or vomiting, prevent aspiration, or prevent H. pylori infection.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 934
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 10

23. A 68-year-old patient with a bleeding duodenal ulcer has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place, and the health care provider orders 30 mL of aluminum hydroxide/magnesium hydroxide (Maalox) to be instilled through the tube every hour. To evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment, the nurse
    a. monitors arterial blood gas values daily.
    b. periodically aspirates and tests gastric pH.
    c. checks each stool for the presence of occult blood.
    d. measures the volume of residual stomach contents.

Answer 10

ANS: B
The purpose for antacids is to increase gastric pH. Checking gastric pH is the most direct way of evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. Arterial blood gases may change slightly, but this does not directly reflect the effect of antacids on gastric pH. Because the patient has upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, occult blood in the stools will appear even after the acute bleeding has stopped. The amount of residual stomach contents is not a reflection of resolution of bleeding or of gastric pH.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 946
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 11

24. A 44-year-old man admitted with a peptic ulcer has a nasogastric (NG) tube in place. When the patient develops sudden, severe upper abdominal pain, diaphoresis, and a firm abdomen, which action should the nurse take?
    a. Irrigate the NG tube.
    b. Check the vital signs.
    c. Give the ordered antacid.
    d. Elevate the foot of the bed.

Answer 11

ANS: B
The patients symptoms suggest acute perforation, and the nurse should assess for signs of hypovolemic shock. Irrigation of the NG tube, administration of antacids, or both would be contraindicated because any material in the stomach will increase the spillage into the peritoneal cavity. Elevating the foot of the bed may increase abdominal pressure and discomfort, as well as making it more difficult for the patient to breathe.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 948
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 12

25. A 50-year-old patient who underwent a gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I) earlier today complains of increasing abdominal pain. The patient has no bowel sounds and 200 mL of bright red nasogastric (NG) drainage in the last hour. The highest priority action by the nurse is to
    a. contact the surgeon.
    b. irrigate the NG tube.
    c. monitor the NG drainage.
    d. administer the prescribed morphine.

Answer 12

ANS: A
Increased pain and 200 mL of bright red NG drainage 12 hours after surgery indicate possible postoperative hemorrhage, and immediate actions such as blood transfusion and/or return to surgery are needed. Because the NG is draining, there is no indication that irrigation is needed. Continuing to monitor the NG drainage is not an adequate response. The patient may need morphine, but this is not the highest priority action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 946
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 13

26. Which patient statement indicates that the nurses teaching following a gastroduodenostomy has been effective?
    a. Vitamin supplements may prevent anemia.
    b. Persistent heartburn is common after surgery.
    c. I will try to drink more liquids with my meals.
    d. I will need to choose high carbohydrate foods.

Answer 13

ANS: A
Cobalamin deficiency may occur after partial gastrectomy, and the patient may need to receive cobalamin via injections or nasal spray. Although peptic ulcer disease may recur, persistent heartburn is not expected after surgery and the patient should call the health care provider if this occurs. Ingestion of liquids with meals is avoided to prevent dumping syndrome. Foods that have moderate fat and low carbohydrate should be chosen to prevent dumping syndrome.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 952-953
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 14

27. At his first postoperative checkup appointment after a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II), a patient reports that dizziness, weakness, and palpitations occur about 20 minutes after each meal. The nurse will teach the patient to
    a. increase the amount of fluid with meals.
    b. eat foods that are higher in carbohydrates.
    c. lie down for about 30 minutes after eating.
    d. drink sugared fluids or eat candy after meals.

Answer 14

ANS: C
The patient is experiencing symptoms of dumping syndrome, which may be reduced by lying down after eating. Increasing fluid intake and choosing high carbohydrate foods will increase the risk for dumping syndrome. Having a sweet drink or hard candy will correct the hypoglycemia that is associated with dumping syndrome but will not prevent dumping syndrome.

Question 15

28. A 62-year-old man patient who requires daily use of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) for the management of severe rheumatoid arthritis has recently developed melena. The nurse will anticipate teaching the patient about
    a. substitution of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the NSAID.
    b. use of enteric-coated NSAIDs to reduce gastric irritation.
    c. reasons for using corticosteroids to treat the rheumatoid arthritis.
    d. misoprostol (Cytotec) to protect the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa.

Answer 15

ANS: D
Misoprostol, a prostaglandin analog, reduces acid secretion and the incidence of upper GI bleeding associated with NSAID use. Enteric coating of NSAIDs does not reduce the risk for GI bleeding. Corticosteroids increase the risk for ulcer development, and will not be substituted for NSAIDs for this patient. Acetaminophen will not be effective in treating the patients rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 16

29. The health care provider prescribes antacids and sucralfate (Carafate) for treatment of a patients peptic ulcer. The nurse will teach the patient to take
    a. sucralfate at bedtime and antacids before each meal.
    b. sucralfate and antacids together 30 minutes before meals.
    c. antacids 30 minutes before each dose of sucralfate is taken.
    d. antacids after meals and sucralfate 30 minutes before meals.

Answer 16

ANS: D
Sucralfate is most effective when the pH is low and should not be given with or soon after
antacids. Antacids are most effective when taken after eating. Administration of sucralfate 30
minutes before eating and antacids just after eating will ensure that both drugs can be most effective. The other regimens will decrease the effectiveness of the medications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 934 | 947
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 17

30. Which information about dietary management should the nurse include when teaching a patient with peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?
    a. You will need to remain on a bland diet.
    b. Avoid foods that cause pain after you eat them.
    c. High-protein foods are least likely to cause you pain.
    d. You should avoid eating any raw fruits and vegetables.

Answer 17

ANS: B
The best information is that each individual should choose foods that are not associated with postprandial discomfort. Raw fruits and vegetables may irritate the gastric mucosa, but chewing well seems to decrease this problem and some patients may tolerate these foods well. High-protein foods help neutralize acid, but they also stimulate hydrochloric (HCl) acid secretion and may increase discomfort for some patients. Bland diets may be recommended during an acute exacerbation of PUD, but there is little scientific evidence to support their use.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 947
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 18

31. A 73-year-old patient is diagnosed with stomach cancer after an unintended 20-pound weight loss. Which nursing action will be included in the plan of care?
    a. Refer the patient for hospice services.
    b. Infuse IV fluids through a central line.
    c. Teach the patient about antiemetic therapy.
    d. Offer supplemental feedings between meals.

Answer 18

ANS: D
The patient data indicate a poor nutritional state and improvement in nutrition will be helpful in improving the response to therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. Nausea and vomiting are not common clinical manifestations of stomach cancer. There is no indication that the patient requires hospice or IV fluid infusions.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 953
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 19

32. A 26-year-old patient with a family history of stomach cancer asks the nurse about ways to decrease the risk for developing stomach cancer. The nurse will teach the patient to avoid
    a. emotionally stressful situations.
    b. smoked foods such as ham and bacon.
    c. foods that cause distention or bloating.
    d. chronic use of H2 blocking medications.

Answer 19

ANS: B
Smoked foods such as bacon, ham, and smoked sausage increase the risk for stomach cancer. Stressful situations, abdominal distention, and use of H2 blockers are not associated with an increased incidence of stomach cancer.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 951
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 20

34. A 58-year-old patient has just been admitted to the emergency department with nausea and vomiting. Which information requires the most rapid intervention by the nurse?
    a. The patient has been vomiting for 4 days.
    b. The patient takes antacids 8 to 10 times a day.
    c. The patient is lethargic and difficult to arouse.
    d. The patient has undergone a small intestinal resection.

Answer 20

ANS: C
A lethargic patient is at risk for aspiration, and the nurse will need to position the patient to decrease aspiration risk. The other information is also important to collect, but it does not require as quick action as the risk for aspiration.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 927
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 21

36. A 49-year-old man has been admitted with hypotension and dehydration after 3 days of nausea and vomiting. Which order from the health care provider will the nurse implement first?
    a. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube.
    b. Infuse normal saline at 250 mL/hr.
    c. Administer IV ondansetron (Zofran).
    d. Provide oral care with moistened swabs.

Answer 21

ANS: B
Because the patient has severe dehydration, rehydration with IV fluids is the priority. The other orders should be accomplished as quickly as possible after the IV fluids are initiated.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 927
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 22

37. Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving change-of-shift report?
    a. A patient with nausea who has a dose of metoclopramide (Reglan) due
    b. A patient who is crying after receiving a diagnosis of esophageal cancer
    c. A patient with esophageal varices who has a blood pressure of 92/58 mm Hg
    d. A patient admitted yesterday with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who has melena

Answer 22

ANS: C
The patients history and blood pressure indicate possible hemodynamic instability caused by GI bleeding. The data about the other patients do not indicate acutely life-threatening complications.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 956
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Question 23

38. A patient returned from a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for hiatal hernia 4 hours ago. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address immediately?
    a. The patient is experiencing intermittent waves of nausea.
    b. The patient complains of 7/10 (0 to 10 scale) abdominal pain.
    c. The patient has absent breath sounds in the left anterior chest.
    d. The patient has hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Answer 23

ANS: C
Decreased breath sounds on one side may indicate a pneumothorax, which requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. The nausea and abdominal pain should also be addressed but they are not as high priority as the patients respiratory status. The patients decreased bowel sounds are expected after surgery and require ongoing monitoring but no other action.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 935
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 24

39. Which assessment should the nurse perform first for a patient who just vomited bright red blood?
    a. Measuring the quantity of emesis
    b. Palpating the abdomen for distention
    c. Auscultating the chest for breath sounds
    d. Taking the blood pressure (BP) and pulse

Answer 24

ANS: D
The nurse is concerned about blood loss and possible hypovolemic shock in a patient with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. BP and pulse are the best indicators of these complications. The other information is important to obtain, but BP and pulse rate are the best indicators for assessing intravascular volume.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 925 | 956
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 25

40. Which order from the health care provider will the nurse implement first for a patient who has vomited 1200 mL of blood?
    a. Give an IV H2 receptor antagonist.
    b. Draw blood for typing and crossmatching.
    c. Administer 1000 mL of lactated Ringers solution.
    d. Insert a nasogastric (NG) tube and connect to suction.

Answer 25

ANS: C
Because the patient has vomited a large amount of blood, correction of hypovolemia and prevention of hypovolemic shock are the priorities. The other actions also are important to implement quickly but are not the highest priorities.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 947 | 955
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 26

41. The nurse is administering IV fluid boluses and nasogastric irrigation to a patient with acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider?
    a. The bowel sounds are hyperactive in all four quadrants.
    b. The patients lungs have crackles audible to the midchest.
    c. The nasogastric (NG) suction is returning coffee-ground material.
    d. The patients blood pressure (BP) has increased to 142/84 mm Hg.

Answer 26

ANS: B
The patients lung sounds indicate that pulmonary edema may be developing as a result of the rapid infusion of IV fluid and that the fluid infusion rate should be slowed. The return of coffee-ground material in an NG tube is expected for a patient with upper GI bleeding. The BP is slightly elevated but would not be an indication to contact the health care provider immediately. Hyperactive bowel sounds are common when a patient has GI bleeding.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 957
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 27

43. An 80-year-old who is hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease develops new-onset auditory hallucinations. Which prescribed medication will the nurse discuss with the health care provider before administration?
    a. Sucralfate (Carafate)
    b. Omeprazole (Prilosec)
    c. Metoclopramide (Reglan)
    d. Aluminum hydroxide (Amphojel)

Answer 27

ANS: C
Metoclopramide can cause central nervous system (CNS) side effects ranging from anxiety to hallucinations. Hallucinations are not a side effect of proton-pump inhibitors, mucosal protectants, or antacids.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 934
TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity

Question 28

44. The nurse and a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) are working together to care for a patient who had an esophagectomy 2 days ago. Which action by the LPN/LVN requires that the nurse intervene?
    a. The LPN/LVN uses soft swabs to provide for oral care.
    b. The LPN/LVN positions the head of the bed in the flat position.
    c. The LPN/LVN encourages the patient to use pain medications before coughing.
    d. The LPN/LVN includes the enteral feeding volume when calculating intake and output.

Answer 28

ANS: B
The patients bed should be in Fowlers position to prevent reflux and aspiration of gastric contents. The other actions by the LPN/LVN are appropriate.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 939
OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Question 29

45. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
    a. 42-year-old who has acute gastritis and ongoing epigastric pain
    b. 70-year-old with a hiatal hernia who experiences frequent heartburn
    c. 53-year-old who has dumping syndrome after a recent partial gastrectomy
    d. 60-year-old with nausea and vomiting who has dry oral mucosa and lethargy

Answer 29

ANS: D
This older patient is at high risk for problems such as aspiration, dehydration, and fluid and electrolyte disturbances. The other patients will also need to be assessed, but the information about them indicates symptoms that are typical for their diagnoses and are not life threatening.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 928
OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment

Question 30

1. In which order will the nurse take the following actions when caring for a patient who develops watery diarrhea and a fever after prolonged omeprazole (Prilosec) therapy? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice [A, B, C, D].)
   a. Contact the health care provider.
   b. Assess blood pressure and heart rate.
   c. Give the PRN acetaminophen (Tylenol).
   d. Place the patient on contact precautions.

Answer 30

ANS:
D, B, A, C
Proton pump inhibitors including omeprazole (Prilosec) may increase the risk of Clostridium difficileassociated colitis. Because the patients history and symptoms are consistent with C. difficile infection, the initial action should be initiation of infection control measures to protect other patients. Assessment of blood pressure and pulse is needed to determine whether the patient has symptoms of hypovolemia and/or shock. The health care provider should be notified so that actions such as obtaining stool specimens and antibiotic therapy can be started. Tylenol may be administered, but is the lowest priority of the actions.