ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- B. White blood cell count.
- C. Hematocrit.
- D. Serum glucose.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.
2. Which of the following diagnostic tests may be performed to determine if a client has gastric cancer?
- A. Barium enema
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Gastroscopy
- D. Serum chemistry levels
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A gastroscopy is performed to visualize the stomach lining and obtain biopsies to diagnose gastric cancer.
3. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restricting pain medication
- B. Maintaining bedrest
- C. Avoiding coughing
- D. Irrigating the drain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.
4. Elmer is scheduled for a proctoscopy and has an I.V. The doctor wrote an order for 5mg of I.V. diazepam(Valium). Which order is correct regarding diazepam?
- A. Give diazepam in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
- B. Mix diazepam with 50 ml of dextrose 5% in water and give over 15 minutes.
- C. Give diazepam rapidly I.V. to prevent the bloodstream from diluting the drug mixture.
- D. Question the order because I.V. administration of diazepam is contraindicated.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct method for administering I.V. diazepam is to give it in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
5. Surgical management of ulcerative colitis may be performed to treat which of the following complications?
- A. Gastritis
- B. Bowel herniation
- C. Bowel outpouching
- D. Bowel perforation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Surgical management of ulcerative colitis may be necessary to treat complications such as bowel perforation.
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