ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is reviewing the results of serum laboratory studies drawn on a client who is suspected of having hepatitis. The nurse interprets that an elevation in which of the following studies is the most specific indicator of the disease?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Serum bilirubin
- C. Hemoglobin
- D. Blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzymes, serum bilirubin level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate is nonspecific test that indicates the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body. Elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
2. Stephen is a 62 y.o. patient that has had a liver biopsy. Which of the following groups of signs alert you to a possible pneumothorax?
- A. Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung
- B. Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin
- C. Fever, rebound tenderness, and abdominal rigidity
- D. Redness, warmth, and drainage at the biopsy site
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung are signs of a possible pneumothorax.
3. Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
- A. Abdominal x-ray
- B. Barium swallow
- C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
- D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic test that involves visualizing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose ulcers.
4. After a right hemicolectomy for treatment of colon cancer, a 57-year old client is reluctant to turn while on bed rest. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate?
- A. Asking a co-worker to help turn the client
- B. Explaining to the client why turning is important.
- C. Allowing the client to turn when he’s ready to do so
- D. Telling the client that the physician’s order states he must turn every 2 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Educating the client about the importance of turning can encourage compliance and promote understanding of the necessity to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia.
5. 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.
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