a client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp severe pain in the mid epigastric area which then spreads over the entire abdom
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client’s abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms described in the question are consistent with perforation of the ulcer, which then progresses to peritonitis if the perforation is large enough. The client with intestinal obstruction most likely would complain of abdominal pain, distension, and nausea and vomiting. The client with hemorrhage would be vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material or would be expelling black, tarry, or bloody stools. Intractability is a term that refers to continued symptoms of a disease process, despite ongoing medical treatment.

2. 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:

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.

3. Before bowel surgery, Lee is to administer enemas until clear. During administration, he complains of intestinal cramps. What do you do next?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If a patient complains of intestinal cramps during an enema, lowering the height of the enema container can help reduce discomfort.

4. Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A change in bowel habits is the most common symptom of colon cancer.

5. Medical management of the client with diverticulitis should include which of the following treatments?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Medical management of diverticulitis typically includes the administration of antibiotics to treat infection and inflammation.

Similar Questions

A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?
Your goal is to minimize David’s risk of complications after a heriorrhaphy. You instruct the patient to:
Crohn’s disease can be described as a chronic relapsing disease. Which of the following areas in the GI system may be involved with this disease?
The nurse is performing a colostomy irrigation on a client. During the irrigation, a client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses