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. The client has orders for a nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. During the procedure, instructions that will assist in the insertion would be:
- A. Instruct the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion
- B. After insertion into the nostril, instruct the client to extend his neck
- C. Introduce the tube with the client’s head tilted back, then instruct him to keep his head upright for final insertion
- D. Instruct the client to hold his chin down, then back for insertion of the tube
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion helps facilitate the NG tube insertion.
3. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
4. The hospitalized client with gastroesophageal reflux disease 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: The discomfort of reflux is aggravated by positions that compress the abdomen and the stomach. Lying flat on the back (supine) or on the stomach (prone) after a meal can exacerbate symptoms. Similarly, lying on the right side can worsen reflux. The most appropriate position to alleviate discomfort in a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease is lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated at a 30-degree angle. This position helps prevent the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus, providing relief to the client.
5. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?
- A. He has fresh, active upper GI bleeding.
- B. He needs immediate saline gastric lavage.
- C. His gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
- D. He needs a transfusion of packed RBC’s.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis indicates that the gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
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