ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is preparing to remove a nasogastric tube from a client. The nurse would instruct the client to do which of the following just before the nurse removes the tube?
- A. To perform Valsalva’s maneuver
- B. To take hold and hold a deep breath
- C. To exhale
- D. To inhale and exhale quickly
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When the nurse removes a nasogastric tube, the client is instructed to take and hold a deep breath. This will be obstructed temporarily during the tube removal. This allows for easy withdrawal through the esophagus into the nose. The nurse removes the tube with one smooth, continuous pull.
2. A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
- A. Vitamin B12 injections.
- B. Vitamin B6 injections.
- C. An antibiotic.
- D. An antacid.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
3. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?
- A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
- B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
- C. Remove the irrigation tube.
- D. Massage the abdomen gently.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.
4. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
- A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
- C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.
5. The client with a duodenal ulcer may exhibit which of the following findings on assessment?
- A. Hematemesis
- B. Malnourishment
- C. Melena
- D. Pain with eating
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Melena (black, tarry stools) can be an indication of a duodenal ulcer.
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