ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client has a nasogastric tube inserted at the time of abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. This tube will most likely be removed when the client demonstrates:
- A. Absence of nausea and vomiting.
- B. Passage of mucus from the rectum.
- C. Passage of flatus and feces from the colostomy.
- D. Absence of stomach drainage for 24 hours.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sign indicating that a client's colostomy is open and ready to function is passage of feces and flatus. When this occurs, gastric suction is ordinarily discontinued, and the client is allowed to start taking fluids and food orally. Absence of bowel sounds would indicate that the tube should remain in place because peristalsis has not yet returned. Absence of nausea and vomiting is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued. Passage of mucus from the rectum will not occur in this client because the rectum is removed in this surgery. Absence of stomach drainage is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued.
2. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.†Which response is most therapeutic?
- A. I know just how you feel.
- B. You seem upset.
- C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
- D. Why do you think you have cancer?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. To minimize the effects of the disorder, the nurse teaches the client about foods that are high in thiamine. The nurse determines that the client has best understanding of the dietary measures to follow of the client states an intention to increase intake of:
- A. Pork
- B. Milk
- C. Chicken
- D. Broccoli
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The client with cirrhosis needs to consume foods high in thiamine. Thiamine is present in a variety of foods of plant and animal origin. Pork products are especially rich in this vitamin. Other good food sources include nuts, whole grain cereals, and legumes. Milk contains vitamins A, D, and B2. Broccoli contains vitamins C, E, and K and folic acid.
4. A client is providing instructions to a client who is scheduled for an oral cholecystogram. The nurse tells the client to
- A. Eat a fat-free meal on the evening before the procedure.
- B. Maintain strict NPO status on the day of the procedure.
- C. Avoid oral intake except for water on the day of the procedure.
- D. Eat a high-fat meal for breakfast on the day of the procedure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For an oral cholecystogram, the client should eat a fat-free meal the evening before the procedure and avoid oral intake except for water on the day of the procedure. During the test, the client may be given a high-fat meal or drink to stimulate gallbladder emptying. Choice A is incorrect because the client should have a fat-free meal, not a high-fat meal. Choice B is incorrect as strict NPO status is not required. Choice D is incorrect as a high-fat meal is not recommended for breakfast on the day of the procedure.
5. 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.
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