ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
- A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
- C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.
2. A client’s ulcerative colitis symptoms have been present for longer than 1 week. The nurse recognizes that the client should be assessed carefully for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Heart failure
- B. DVT
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hypocalcemia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should be assessed carefully for signs of hypokalemia, a common complication of prolonged ulcerative colitis symptoms.
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. Janice is waiting for discharge instructions after her herniorrhaphy. Which of the following instructions do you include?
- A. Eat a low-fiber diet.
- B. Resume heavy lifting in 2 weeks.
- C. Lose weight, if obese.
- D. Resume sexual activity once discomfort is gone.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Advise the patient to lose weight if obese to reduce the risk of complications after herniorrhaphy.
5. You promote hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding by:
- A. Encouraging oral fluid intake.
- B. Monitoring central venous pressure.
- C. Monitoring laboratory test results and vital signs.
- D. Giving blood, electrolyte and fluid replacement.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Promoting hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding involves giving blood, electrolyte, and fluid replacement.
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