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?
- A. Perforation
- B. Obstruction
- C. Hemorrhage
- D. Intractability
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. Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose cholecystitis?
- A. Abdominal CT scan
- B. Abdominal ultrasound
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Endoscopy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used test to diagnose cholecystitis.
3. Medical management of the client with diverticulitis should include which of the following treatments?
- A. Reduced fluid intake
- B. Increased fiber in diet
- C. Administration of antibiotics
- D. Exercises to increase intra-abdominal pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Medical management of diverticulitis typically includes the administration of antibiotics to treat infection and inflammation.
4. Your goal is to minimize David’s risk of complications after a heriorrhaphy. You instruct the patient to:
- A. Avoid the use of pain medication.
- B. Cough and deep breathe Q2H.
- C. Splint the incision if he can’t avoid sneezing or coughing.
- D. Apply heat to scrotal swelling.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Instruct the patient to splint the incision if he can't avoid sneezing or coughing to minimize the risk of complications after heriorrhaphy.
5. Your patient, Christopher, has a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and has severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output. This may indicate which complication?
- A. Fistula.
- B. Bowel perforation.
- C. Bowel obstruction.
- D. Abscess.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output in a patient with ulcerative colitis may indicate bowel perforation.
Similar Questions
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