ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse orientee is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube, and a nurse educator is observing the procedure. Which of the following supplies if obtained by the nurse orientee would indicate a need for further education regarding this procedure?
- A. Half-inch or one-inch tape
- B. Oil-soluble lubricant
- C. A glass of tap water with a straw
- D. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricant is used to lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the tube at the insertion end. An oil lubricant is not used because if the tube accidentally goes into the bronchus, pneumonia can develop. Half-inch tape is used to secure the tube after the correct placement is verified. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe is used to aspirate gastric contents to confirm placement. The client will be asked to take a sip of water through a straw to help with the passage of the tube.
2. 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.
3. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?
- A. Fast for 8 hours before the test.
- B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast.
- C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
- D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A barium swallow is an x-ray study that uses a substance called barium for contrast to highlight abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract. The client should fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, depending on physician instructions. Most oral medications also are withheld before the test. After the procedure the nurse must monitor for constipation, which can occur as a result of the presence of barium in the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Eleanor, a 62 y.o. woman with diverticulosis is your patient. Which interventions would you expect to include in her care?
- A. Low-fiber diet and fluid restrictions.
- B. Total parenteral nutrition and bed rest.
- C. High-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
- D. Administration of analgesics and antacids.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Care for a patient with diverticulosis includes a high-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
5. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the post-operative orders, which of the following, if prescribed, would the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing a deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Irrigating the nasogastric tube is typically not recommended after a Billroth II procedure unless specifically ordered by a physician due to the risk of disrupting the surgical site.
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