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. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
- A. Confirm proper nasogastric tube placement.
- B. Observe gastric contents.
- C. Assess fluid and electrolyte status.
- D. Evaluate absorption of the last feeding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Evaluating the absorption of the last feeding is important because administration of a tube feeding to a full stomach could result in overdistention, thus predisposing the client to regurgitation and possible aspiration.
3. 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.
4. The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?
- A. Bedrest
- B. Encourage ambulation
- C. Out of bed in a chair
- D. No activity restrictions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue is a normal response to hepatic cellular damage. During the acute stage, rest is an essential intervention to reduce the metabolic demands on the liver and its blood supply.
5. Claire, a 33 y.o. is on your floor with a possible bowel obstruction. Which intervention is priority for her?
- A. Obtain daily weights.
- B. Measure abdominal girth.
- C. Keep strict intake and output.
- D. Encourage her to increase fluids.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: For a patient with a possible bowel obstruction, measuring abdominal girth is a priority to monitor for signs of worsening obstruction or distention.
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