ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client had an abdominal perineal resection with a colostomy 4 days ago and is ready for discharge. Which of the following would be an appropriate expected outcome at this point?
- A. The client maintains a high-fiber diet.
- B. The client discusses concerns about his sexual functioning.
- C. The client maintains bedrest.
- D. The client limits fluid intake to 1000 ml/day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients often have concerns about their sexuality after a fecal diversion. The nurse should encourage the client to discuss any questions about sexual functioning. The client will not need to maintain a high-fiber diet but will be encouraged to avoid any foods that cause odor and flatulence. The client should be able to ambulate and sit out of bed for several hours at a time at this point. Fluid intake will be encouraged, not restricted.
2. The client with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled for a pyloroplasty. The client asks the nurse about the procedure. The nurse plans to respond knowing that a pyloroplasty involves:
- A. Cutting the vagus nerve
- B. Removing the distal portion of the stomach
- C. Removal of the ulcer and a large portion of the cells that produce hydrochloric acid
- D. An incision and resuturing of the pylorus to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening from the stomach to the duodenum.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A pyloroplasty involves making an incision in the pylorus (the opening from the stomach to the duodenum) and then resuturing it to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening.
3. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.
4. Which of the following definitions best describes diverticulosis?
- A. An inflamed outpouching of the intestine
- B. A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine
- C. The partial impairment of the forward flow of intestinal contents
- D. An abnormal protrusion of an organ through the structure that usually holds it
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine.' Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that can form in the lining of the digestive system, especially the colon. These pouches are typically noninflamed. Choice A is incorrect because it describes diverticulitis, which is the inflammation of these pouches. Choice C is incorrect as it defines bowel obstruction, not diverticulosis. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a hernia, not diverticulosis.
5. A client has just had surgery for colon cancer. Which of the following disorders might the client develop?
- A. Peritonitis
- B. Diverticulosis
- C. Partial bowel obstruction
- D. Complete bowel obstruction
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After surgery for colon cancer, the client may develop a partial bowel obstruction.
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