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 symptoms may be exhibited by a client with Crohn’s disease?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Narrow stools
- C. N/V
- D. Steatorrhea
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease may exhibit symptoms such as steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in the stool.
3. A client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure:
- A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach
- B. Heals the gastric mucosa
- C. Halts stress reactions
- D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy reduces the stimulus to acid secretions by cutting the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach.
4. Sharon has cirrhosis of the liver and develops ascites. What intervention is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in her peritoneal cavity?
- A. Restrict fluids
- B. Encourage ambulation
- C. Increase sodium in the diet
- D. Give antacids as prescribed
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Restricting fluids is necessary to decrease the excessive accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity for a patient with ascites due to cirrhosis.
5. Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose cholecystitis?
- A. Abdominal CT scan
- B. Abdominal ultrasound
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Endoscopy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used test to diagnose cholecystitis.
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