a nurse is assigned to a 40 year old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis the nurse reviews the laboratory result anticipating a laborat
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The normal serum amylase level is 25 to 151 IU/L. With chronic cases of pancreatitis, the rise in serum amylase levels usually does not exceed three times the normal value. In acute pancreatitis, the value may exceed five times the normal value. Options 1 and 2 are within normal limits. Option 3 is an extremely elevated level seen in acute pancreatitis.

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?

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 nursing measures would be inappropriate when caring for a client with a Cantor tube?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Intestinal tubes are not irrigated. Injecting air into the tube, applying water-soluble lubricant, and coiling extra tubing are appropriate nursing measures.

4. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test results. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned as items to avoid before collecting a stool specimen for occult blood.

5. An intubated patient is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a Salem sump tube at a rate of 60ml/hr. Gastric residuals have been 30-40ml when monitored Q4H. You check the gastric residual and aspirate 220ml. What is your first response to this finding?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: If gastric residuals are high during continuous enteral feedings, the first response is to stop the feeding and clamp the NG tube.

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