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 symptoms is common with a hiatal hernia?
- A. Left arm pain
- B. Lower back pain
- C. Esophageal reflux
- D. Abdominal cramping
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Esophageal reflux is a common symptom of a hiatal hernia because the hernia can cause stomach acid to move back up into the esophagus.
3. Which of the following medications is most effective for treating the pain associated with irritable bowel disease?
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Opiates
- C. Steroids
- D. Stool softeners
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acetaminophen is often the first line of treatment for pain associated with irritable bowel disease due to its safety profile.
4. A client is recovering from an ileostomy that was performed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. During discharge teaching for this client, the nurse should stress:
- A. increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- B. wearing an appliance pouch at all times.
- C. consuming a low-protein, high-fiber diet.
- D. avoiding enteric-coated medications.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. An ileostomy typically drains liquid waste, so the client is at risk of fluid loss. By increasing fluid intake, the client can prevent dehydration. It's essential for the client to wear a collection appliance at all times because ileostomy drainage is incontinent. Consuming a low-protein, high-fiber diet is not recommended as high-fiber foods can cause intestinal irritation. Enteric-coated medications should be avoided because they may not be absorbed properly after an ileostomy.
5. Which of the following tests should be administered to a client suspected of having diverticulosis?
- A. Abdominal ultrasound
- B. Barium enema
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Gastroscopy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A barium enema is a diagnostic test used to visualize the colon and can help diagnose diverticulosis.
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