ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Elevated serum bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
2. The hospitalized client with GERD is complaining of chest discomfort that feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid, the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?
- A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
- B. On the stomach with the head flat
- C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
- D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees helps prevent reflux by keeping stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus.
3. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
- A. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
- B. Limit the fluids taken with meals
- C. Ambulate following a meal
- D. Sit in a high-Fowlers position during meals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy, it is recommended to limit fluids taken with meals to slow down gastric emptying and reduce the symptoms.
4. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?
- A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
- B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
- C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
- D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
5. A client with viral hepatitis has no appetite, and food makes the client nauseated. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
- A. Explain that high-fat diets usually are tolerated better.
- B. Encourage intake of foods high in protein.
- C. Explain that the majority of calories need to be consumed in the evening hours.
- D. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: If nausea occurs and persists, the client will need to be assessed for fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Explaining to the client that the majority of calories should be eaten in the morning hours is important because nausea occurs most often in the afternoon and evening. Clients should select a diet high in calories because energy is required for healing. Protein increases the workload on the liver. Changes in bilirubin interfere with fat absorption, so low-fat diets are tolerated better.
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