ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?
- A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
- B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
- C. Hypothermia
- D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.
2. A healthcare professional is assessing an infant who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Bounding pulses
- C. Hyperactivity
- D. Increased urine output
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In infants with heart failure, one of the key manifestations is weight gain due to fluid retention. The heart's inability to pump effectively can lead to fluid buildup in the body, causing weight gain. Bounding pulses, hyperactivity, and increased urine output are not typically associated with heart failure in infants. Bounding pulses are associated with conditions like aortic regurgitation, hyperactivity can be a sign of other issues, and increased urine output is not a common finding in heart failure.
3. 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.
4. How should professionals communicate with parents and family members?
- A. Share information with both parents to distribute the stress equally
- B. Share information with one parent to ensure accuracy
- C. Share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether family or not
- D. Provide information in writing exclusively to ensure clear communication
Correct answer: C
Rationale: When professionals communicate with parents and family members, it is essential to share information with all individuals who interact with the child, whether they are family members or not. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone involved in the child's care and well-being is well-informed and can provide support as needed. It is important to consider the broader network of individuals who play a role in the child's life to promote comprehensive and effective communication.
5. A patient is receiving IV heparin for a deep-vein thrombosis and begins vomiting blood. After the heparin has been stopped, which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Vitamin K1
- B. Atropine
- C. Protamine
- D. Calcium gluconate
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Protamine is the antidote for heparin, as it reverses its anticoagulant effects. In cases of heparin overdose or if there is excessive bleeding, administering protamine can quickly neutralize the effects of heparin, helping to prevent further bleeding complications.
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