ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?
- A. Chief cells of the stomach
- B. Parietal cells of the stomach
- C. Lower esophageal sphincter
- D. Upper esophageal sphincter
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The lower esophageal sphincter is a functional sphincter that normally remains closed except when food or fluids are swallowed. If relaxation of this sphincter occurs, the client could experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
2. 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.
3. You’re developing the plan of care for a patient experiencing dumping syndrome after a Billroth II procedure. Which dietary instructions do you include?
- A. Omit fluids with meals.
- B. Increase carbohydrate intake.
- C. Decrease protein intake.
- D. Decrease fat intake.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To manage dumping syndrome, it is important to omit fluids with meals to slow gastric emptying.
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. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Hypotension
- C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
- D. Rebound tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.
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