ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.
2. When teaching a community group about measures to prevent colon cancer, which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Limit fat intake to 20% to 25% of your total daily calories.
- B. Include 15 to 20 grams of fiber into your daily diet.
- C. Get an annual rectal examination after age 35.
- D. Undergo sigmoidoscopy annually after age 50.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Limiting fat intake is a recommended measure to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Including fiber, undergoing annual rectal examinations, and sigmoidoscopy are also important, but limiting fat intake is directly related to reducing cancer risk.
3. A client with rectal cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Abdominal fullness
- B. Gastric fullness
- C. Rectal bleeding
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom in clients with rectal cancer.
4. You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?
- A. Ask the patient what happened, call the doctor, and cover the area with a water-soaked bedsheet.
- B. Obtain vital signs, call the doctor, and obtain emergency orders.
- C. Have a CAN hold the wound together while you obtain vital signs, call the doctor and flex the patient’s knees.
- D. Have the doctor called while you remain with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a ruptured wound and protruding bowel, call the doctor while remaining with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
5. Which of the following aspects is the priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis?
- A. Fluid and electrolyte balance
- B. Gastric irrigation
- C. Pain management
- D. Psychosocial issues
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis is fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent shock.
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