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. Matt is a 49 y.o. with a hiatal hernia that you are about to counsel. Health care counseling for Matt should include which of the following instructions?
- A. Restrict intake of high-carbohydrate foods.
- B. Increase fluid intake with meals.
- C. Increase fat intake.
- D. Eat three regular meals a day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a hiatal hernia, it is important to eat three regular meals a day to prevent symptoms.
3. A client with peptic ulcer is scheduled for a Vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure
- A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach.
- B. Heals the gastric mucosa.
- C. Halts stress reactions.
- D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy, or cutting of the vagus nerve, is done to eliminate parasympathetic stimulation of gastric secretion, thereby reducing the stimulus to acid secretions. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as a vagotomy does not affect food absorption, heal the gastric mucosa, or halt stress reactions.
4. 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.
5. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
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