ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
- B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
- C. Quickly insert the tube.
- D. Notify the physician immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.
2. Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What is the priority for this patient?
- A. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
- B. Monitor for increased serum glucose levels from steroid therapy.
- C. Restrict dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
- D. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to replace lost fluid and sodium. During an acute episode of ulcerative colitis, the priority is to manage the patient's fluid and electrolyte balance. This is crucial due to the potential for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diarrhea and inflammation in the colon. Monitoring serum glucose levels (Choice B) may be important for patients on steroid therapy, but in this scenario, fluid and electrolyte balance take precedence. Restricting dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice C) is not a priority in the acute phase of ulcerative colitis. While noting changes in stool color and consistency (Choice D) is important for assessing the patient's gastrointestinal status, it is not the priority when managing acute ulcerative colitis.
3. You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?
- A. Ask the patient what happened, call the doctor, and cover the area with a water-soaked bedsheet.
- B. Obtain vital signs, call the doctor, and obtain emergency orders.
- C. Have a CAN hold the wound together while you obtain vital signs, call the doctor and flex the patient’s knees.
- D. Have the doctor called while you remain with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a ruptured wound and protruding bowel, call the doctor while remaining with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
4. Which of the following substances is most likely to cause gastritis?
- A. Milk
- B. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda
- C. Enteric-coated aspirin
- D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are known to cause gastritis by irritating the stomach lining. Choice A, Milk, is unlikely to cause gastritis and is actually a common remedy for mild gastritis symptoms. Choice B, Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda, is often used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, not cause gastritis. Choice C, Enteric-coated aspirin, is less likely to cause gastritis compared to NSAIDs because the enteric coating helps protect the stomach lining from irritation.
5. The nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client with acute gastritis. Which medication, if noted on the client’s record, would the nurse question?
- A. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- B. Indomethacin (Indocin)
- C. Furosemide (Lasix)
- D. Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal)
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Indomethacin (Indocin) is an NSAID that can aggravate acute gastritis and should be questioned.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access