ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?
- A. Concave, midline umbilicus
- B. Pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis
- C. Bowel sound frequency of 15 sounds per minute
- D. Absence of a bruit
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.
2. The nurse is reviewing the physician’s orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client’s chart?
- A. NPO status
- B. Insert a nasogastric tube
- C. An anticholinergic medication
- D. Morphine for pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Morphine for pain should be questioned as it can cause spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, worsening pancreatitis.
3. Rob is a 46 y.o. admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of Hepatitis B. He’s jaundiced and reports weakness. Which intervention will you include in his care?
- A. Regular exercise.
- B. A low-protein diet.
- C. Allow patient to select his meals.
- D. Rest period after small, frequent meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with hepatitis B who is jaundiced and reports weakness, providing rest periods after small, frequent meals is important.
4. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?
- A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
- B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
- C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
- D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Fatty stools
- C. Weight gain
- D. High fever
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease often experience fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to malabsorption of fats. This occurs because the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect the small intestine, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Crohn's disease; instead, weight loss is more common due to malabsorption and decreased appetite. High fever can occur during acute flare-ups but is not a primary finding of Crohn's disease.
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