ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.
- A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
- B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
- C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
- D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to prescribe pain medications such as meperidine to manage the abdominal pain, which is a prominent symptom of the condition. The other options are incorrect because: A) Clients with acute pancreatitis are normally placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to rest the pancreas, so small, frequent high-calorie feedings are not indicated. C) Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees helps decrease tension on the abdomen and may ease pain, but it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. D) Administering antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions is not a routine intervention for acute pancreatitis.
2. You’re caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the paracentesis was effective?
- A. Pruritus
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Jaundice
- D. Peripheral Neuropathy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea relief indicates that the paracentesis was effective in reducing ascites.
3. When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:
- A. Controlling abdominal pain.
- B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
- C. Preventing respiratory complications.
- D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Convalescence after hepatitis A may take weeks or even months. Boredom and depression are common problems that the client should anticipate. Abdominal pain is not usually a symptom of hepatitis A. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern is not usually a problem with hepatitis. Problems preventing respiratory complications are unlikely. To support healing, activity is strictly limited but bed rest is not prescribed.
4. Which of the following dietary measures would be useful in preventing esophageal reflux?
- A. Eating small, frequent meals
- B. Increasing fluid intake
- C. Avoiding air swallowing with meals
- D. Adding a bedtime snack to the dietary plan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals helps prevent esophageal reflux.
5. A client with irritable bowel syndrome is being prepared for discharge. Which of the following meal plans should the nurse give the client?
- A. Low fiber, low-fat
- B. High fiber, low-fat
- C. Low fiber, high-fat
- D. High-fiber, high-fat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A high fiber, low-fat diet is recommended for clients with irritable bowel syndrome to promote bowel regularity and reduce symptoms.
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