a client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea he is thin and has lost 12 pounds since the exacerbation of his ulcerative colitis the nur

ATI RN

ATI Gastrointestinal System Test

1. A client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea. He is thin and has lost 12 pounds since the exacerbation of his ulcerative colitis. The nurse should anticipate that the physician will order which of the following treatment approaches to help the client meet his nutritional needs?

A. Initiate continuous enteral feedings
B. Encourage a high protein, high-calorie diet
C. Implement total parenteral nutrition
D. Provide six small meals a day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Implementing total parenteral nutrition helps meet the nutritional needs of a client with persistent diarrhea and significant weight loss due to ulcerative colitis.

2. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?

A. Bloody diarrhea
B. Hypotension
C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
D. Rebound tenderness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.

3. Which of the following definitions best describes gastritis?

A. Erosion of the gastric mucosa
B. Inflammation of a diverticulum
C. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
D. Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.' Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, specifically the gastric mucosa. This inflammation can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, alcohol, or autoimmune diseases. Choice A, 'Erosion of the gastric mucosa,' is incorrect because erosion refers to the wearing away of tissue rather than inflammation. Choice B, 'Inflammation of a diverticulum,' is incorrect because gastritis specifically involves inflammation of the stomach lining, not a diverticulum. Choice D, 'Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus,' describes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is different from gastritis.

4. The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse used which solution for irrigation?

A. Distilled water
B. Tap water
C. Sterile water
D. Lactated Ringer’s

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tap water at body temperature is generally used for colostomy irrigation unless the local water supply is not safe for drinking, in which case bottled water can be used.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. To minimize the effects of the disorder, the nurse teaches the client about foods that are high in thiamine. The nurse determines that the client has best understanding of the dietary measures to follow of the client states an intention to increase intake of:

A. Pork
B. Milk
C. Chicken
D. Broccoli

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client with cirrhosis needs to consume foods high in thiamine. Thiamine is present in a variety of foods of plant and animal origin. Pork products are especially rich in this vitamin. Other good food sources include nuts, whole grain cereals, and legumes. Milk contains vitamins A, D, and B2. Broccoli contains vitamins C, E, and K and folic acid.