ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System
1. A client is scheduled for oral cholecystography. Which one of the following actions would the nurse plan to implement before the test?
- A. Have the client drink 1000 mL of water.
- B. Ask the client about possible allergies to iodine or shellfish.
- C. Administer an intravenous contrast agent the evening before the test.
- D. Administer tap-water enemas until clear.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Iodine compounds used as radiographic contrast agents, such as iopanoic acid (Telepaque), should not be administered to the client with iodine and seafood allergies because anaphylaxis may occur.
2. Before bowel surgery, Lee is to administer enemas until clear. During administration, he complains of intestinal cramps. What do you do next?
- A. Discontinue the procedure.
- B. Lower the height of the enema container.
- C. Complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
- D. Continue administration of the enema as ordered without making any adjustments.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: If a patient complains of intestinal cramps during an enema, lowering the height of the enema container can help reduce discomfort.
3. You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:
- A. Formed
- B. Semisolid
- C. Semiliquid
- D. Watery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is typically formed.
4. The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?
- A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
- B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
- C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
- D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated encourages movement of food through the esophagus by gravity. By fostering esophageal acid clearance, gravity helps keep the acidic pepsin and alkaline biliary secretions from contacting the esophagus. Elevating the foot of the bed does not affect clearance of esophageal acid. Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the left will not decrease reflux incidence. Sleeping flat without a pillow under the head does not enhance clearance.
5. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?
- A. Nail beds
- B. Skin on the back of the hand
- C. Hard palate of the mouth
- D. Soles of the feet
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.
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