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. A client is scheduled for oral cholecystography. Which one of the following actions would the nurse plan to implement before the test?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Iodine compounds used as radiographic contrast agents, such as iopanoic acid (Telepaque), should not be administered to the client with iodine and seafood allergies because anaphylaxis may occur.

3. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.

4. Which of the following diets is most commonly associated with colon cancer?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low-fiber, high-fat diet is most commonly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer.

5. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.

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