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. When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis who is experiencing symptoms, which client care activities can the nurse appropriately delegate to a unlicensed assistant?
- A. Assessing the client's bowel sounds
- B. Providing skin care following bowel movements
- C. Evaluating the client's response to antidiarrheal medications
- D. administration of pain medication every 4 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Providing skin care following bowel movements, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight can be delegated to a unlicensed assistant.
3. The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important assessment is for the nurse to:
- A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
- B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
- C. Regularly assess respiratory status
- D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Regularly assessing respiratory status is crucial when a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted to control bleeding in esophageal varices.
4. Matt is a 49 y.o. with a hiatal hernia that you are about to counsel. Health care counseling for Matt should include which of the following instructions?
- A. Restrict intake of high-carbohydrate foods.
- B. Increase fluid intake with meals.
- C. Increase fat intake.
- D. Eat three regular meals a day.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a hiatal hernia, it is important to eat three regular meals a day to prevent symptoms.
5. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?
- A. A cardiac monitor
- B. An intubation set
- C. A suction setup
- D. A tracheotomy set
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.
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