ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will be returning to a nursing unit following a percutaneous transhephatic cholangiogram. The nurse includes which intervention in the postprocedure plan of care?
- A. Place a sandbag over the insertion site.
- B. Allow the client bathroom privileges only.
- C. Encourage fluid intake.
- D. Allow the client to sit in a chair for meals.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Following this procedure, the nurse monitors the client’s vital signs closely for indications of hemorrhage and observes the needle insertion site for bleeding and bile leakage. A sandbag is placed over the insertion site to prevent bleeding. The client is maintained on bedrest, and oral intake is avoided in the immediate postprocedure period in case surgery is necessary to control hemorrhage of bile extravasation.
2. Which of the following expected outcomes would be most appropriate for a client with peptic ulcer disease? The client will:
- A. verbalize absence of epigastric pain.
- B. accept the need to inject himself with vitamin B12 for the rest of his life.
- C. understand the need to increase his exercise activity.
- D. eliminate stress from his life.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A realistic goal for this client would be to gain relief from epigastric pain. There is no need for vitamin B12 injections because this client has not had any gastric surgery that would lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Exercise should be modified, not increased, because it can stimulate further production of gastric acid. It is not possible to eliminate stress from a client's life. Instead, the client should be assisted to develop effective coping and problem-solving strategies as necessary.
3. Michael, a 42 y.o. man is admitted to the med-surg floor with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. His BP is 136/76, pulse 96, Resps 22 and temp 101. His past history includes hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. The doctor prescribes an NG tube. Before inserting the tube, you explain the purpose to patient. Which of the following is a most accurate explanation?
- A. It empties the stomach of fluids and gas.
- B. It prevents spasms at the sphincter of Oddi.
- C. It prevents air from forming in the small intestine and large intestine.
- D. It removes bile from the gallbladder.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Explain to the patient that the NG tube is used to empty the stomach of fluids and gas, which helps relieve symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
4. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the postoperative orders, which of the following if prescribed, should the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a Billroth II procedure the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation the nurse should clarify the order. Coughing and deep breathing exercises, leg exercises, and early ambulation are appropriate postoperative interventions.
5. The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?
- A. Bedrest
- B. Encourage ambulation
- C. Out of bed in a chair
- D. No activity restrictions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue is a normal response to hepatic cellular damage. During the acute stage, rest is an essential intervention to reduce the metabolic demands on the liver and its blood supply.
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