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 physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?
- A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
- B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
- C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
- D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.
3. The client with GERD complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions?
- A. Development of laryngeal cancer
- B. Irritation of the esophagus
- C. Esophageal scar tissue formation
- D. Aspiration of gastric contents
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents can lead to a chronic cough in clients with GERD.
4. The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred?
- A. Sunken and hidden stoma
- B. Dark- and bluish-colored stoma
- C. Narrowed and flattened stoma
- D. Protruding stoma
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A protruding stoma is indicative of stoma prolapse, which occurs when the bowel protrudes excessively through the stoma.
5. A 53 y.o. patient has undergone a partial gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma of the stomach. An NG tube is in place and is connected to low continuous suction. During the immediate postoperative period, you expect the gastric secretions to be which color?
- A. Brown.
- B. Clear.
- C. Red.
- D. Yellow.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: During the immediate postoperative period after a partial gastrectomy, gastric secretions are expected to be red.
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