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
- A. 45 units/L
- B. 100 units/L
- C. 300 units/L
- D. 500 units/L
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 provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates best understanding of the medication therapy?
- A. The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid.
- B. Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach.
- C. Antacids will coat my stomach.
- D. Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cimetidine (Tagamet) a Histamine H2 receptor antagonist, will decrease the secretion of gastric acid. Sucralfate (Carafate) promotes healing by coating the ulcer. Antacids neutralize acid in the stomach. Omeprazole (Prilosec) inhibits gastric acid secretion.
3. The nurse is caring for a client who has had a gastroscopy. Which of the following symptoms may indicate that the client is developing a complication related to the procedure? Select all that apply.
- A. The client complains of a sore throat
- B. The client has a temperature of 100*F
- C. The client appears drowsy following the procedure
- D. The client complains of epigastric pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A temperature of 100°F, epigastric pain, and hematemesis are signs that may indicate a complication related to the gastroscopy procedure.
4. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.
5. When a client has peptic ulcer disease, the nurse would expect a priority intervention to be:
- A. Assisting in inserting a Miller-Abbott tube
- B. Assisting in inserting an arterial pressure line
- C. Inserting a nasogastric tube
- D. Inserting an I.V.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inserting a nasogastric tube is a priority intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease to decompress the stomach.
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