ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client who has had gastrectomy is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor. The nurse interprets that the client has lost the ability to absorb cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the
- A. Stomach.
- B. Small intestine.
- C. Large intestine.
- D. Colon.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach but is used to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Vitamin B12 is not absorbed in the large intestine (options 3 and 4).
2. 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.
3. A nurse is reviewing the results of serum laboratory studies drawn on a client who is suspected of having hepatitis. The nurse interprets that an elevation in which of the following studies is the most specific indicator of the disease?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Serum bilirubin
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. Blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzymes, serum bilirubin level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is nonspecific test that indicates the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body. Elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
4. Which of the following symptoms is common with a hiatal hernia?
- A. Left arm pain
- B. Lower back pain
- C. Esophageal reflux
- D. Abdominal cramping
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Esophageal reflux is a common symptom of a hiatal hernia because the hernia can cause stomach acid to move back up into the esophagus.
5. A female client complains of gnawing epigastric pain for a few hours after meals. At times, when the pain is severe, vomiting occurs. Specific tests are indicated to rule out:
- A. Cancer of the stomach
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Pylorospasm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Specific tests are indicated to rule out cancer of the stomach when a client complains of gnawing epigastric pain and vomiting after meals.
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