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. A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Notify the physician.
- B. Change the dressing.
- C. Circle the amount on the dressing with a pen.
- D. Continue to monitor the drainage.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Serosanguineous drainage with a small amount of bile is expected from the Penrose drain for the first 24 hours. Drainage then decreases, and the drain is removed usually within 48 hours. The nurse does not need to notify the physician. A sterile dressing covers the site and should be changed to prevent infection and skin excoriation.
3. Which of the following associated disorders may the client with Crohn’s disease exhibit?
- A. Ankylosing spondylitis
- B. Colon cancer
- C. Malabsorption
- D. Lactase deficiency
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease may exhibit associated disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis, which is an inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
4. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.
5. You’re caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the paracentesis was effective?
- A. Pruritus
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Jaundice
- D. Peripheral Neuropathy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea relief indicates that the paracentesis was effective in reducing ascites.
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