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. A client with a bone cancer states that he is in too much pain to walk today. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Inquire about the frequency, quality and location of the pain
- B. Get the client pain medication
- C. Ensure the client knows he will have negative effects from immobility
- D. Review the client’s medication administration record
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Assessing the pain characteristics helps in managing the client’s pain effectively.
3. What is a procedure to remove fluid or air from the pleural space to help a patient breathe easier?
- A. Thoracentesis
- B. Bronchoscopy
- C. Chest X-ray
- D. CT scan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Correct! Thoracentesis is the correct answer. It is a procedure where fluid or air is removed from the pleural space in the chest to help the patient breathe more easily. Bronchoscopy (choice B) is a procedure to visualize the airways, while Chest X-ray (choice C) and CT scan (choice D) are imaging tests and do not involve the removal of fluid or air from the pleural space.
4. A client in a prenatal clinic is being taught by a nurse in her second trimester with a new diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Which of the following client statements indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should limit my carbohydrates to 50% of caloric intake.
- B. I will reduce my exercise schedule to 3 days a week.
- C. I will take my glyburide daily with breakfast.
- D. I know I am at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Correct answer: I will reduce my exercise schedule to 3 days a week.
Rationale: Choice B, 'I will reduce my exercise schedule to 3 days a week,' indicates a need for further teaching. Regular exercise is beneficial in managing gestational diabetes and should not be reduced without proper guidance. Choices A, C, and D demonstrate understanding and appropriate actions in managing gestational diabetes.
5. What is the appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing an acute allergic reaction?
- A. Administer antihistamines
- B. Administer corticosteroids
- C. Administer oxygen
- D. Administer bronchodilators
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The appropriate nursing action for a patient experiencing an acute allergic reaction is to administer antihistamines. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction, and can help relieve symptoms such as itching, swelling, and hives. Corticosteroids are used for severe allergic reactions not responding to antihistamines, as they have anti-inflammatory properties. Oxygen is administered in cases of respiratory distress, while bronchodilators are used for bronchospasms. However, the first-line intervention for an acute allergic reaction is antihistamines.
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