A hemicolectomy results in the?

Appeared in: UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Explanation

The term 'hemicolectomy' is derived from Greek roots.
'Hemi-' is a prefix that means half.
'Col-' refers to the colon or large intestine.
'-ectomy' is a suffix that signifies surgical removal.
Combining these parts, a hemicolectomy is correctly defined as the surgical removal of half of the colon.

Option A: A colostomy is the surgical creation of an opening (stoma) from the colon to the surface of the abdomen to divert feces. It is a type of bowel diversion, not a resection (removal) of the colon itself.
Option C: The removal of the entire colon is known as a total colectomy. The prefix 'hemi-' specifically indicates that only half, not all, of the colon is removed.
Option D: An ileostomy is a surgical opening created in the small intestine (ileum), not the colon. It allows waste to bypass the entire large intestine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Surgical Terminology: Gastrointestinal Procedures as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding surgical terminology is crucial for nurses to provide accurate preoperative patient education, anticipate postoperative care needs, and communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
Post-hemicolectomy, nurses must monitor for complications such as anastomotic leaks (leakage at the site where the bowel is reconnected), infection, and changes in bowel function.
Patient education is vital, covering topics like diet modifications, pain management, and activity restrictions after surgery.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key term in the question, which is 'hemicolectomy'.
Break down the medical term into its constituent parts: prefix, root, and suffix.
Analyze the prefix 'hemi-', which means 'half'.
Analyze the root 'col-', which refers to the 'colon'.
Analyze the suffix '-ectomy', which means 'surgical removal'.
Synthesize the parts to understand the full meaning: 'surgical removal of half of the colon'.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Fundamentals Potter Perry 12e Part 6 p. 28-30

E6 Nursing Fundamentals Taylor p. 633-635

E6 Gynecology Williams p. 298-363

Practise the full UPUMS Nsg.Officer-2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.