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. Which of the following therapies is not included in the medical management of a client with peritonitis?
- A. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
- B. Electrolyte replacement
- C. I.V. fluids
- D. Regular diet
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A regular diet is not included in the medical management of peritonitis, which requires bowel rest and IV fluids.
3. The nurse is caring for a client on the first postoperative day following a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which nursing diagnosis is the most important for this client?
- A. Risk for infection
- B. Deficient knowledge
- C. Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion
- D. Activity intolerance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral tissue perfusion is a major concern in the postoperative period following an abdominal aneurysm repair. Peripheral pulses should be checked frequently during the first 24 hours. A weak or absent pulse may be a sign of embolization or graft closure, especially if accompanied by a pale, cold, mottled extremity; the nurse should immediately report this to the surgeon. Risk for infection, deficient knowledge, and activity intolerance are all important nursing diagnoses in the postoperative period, but peripheral tissue perfusion is the most immediate concern.
4. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs of dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
- A. Abdominal cramping and pain
- B. Bradycardia and indigestion
- C. Sweating and pallor
- D. Double vision and chest pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Sweating and pallor are early signs of dumping syndrome, a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine.
5. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?
- A. Concave, midline umbilicus
- B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
- C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
- D. Absence of a bruit
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.
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