ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse teaches a preoperative client about the nasogastric tube that will be inserted in preparation for surgery. The nurse determines that the client understands when the tube will be removed in the postoperative period when the client states
- A. When my gastrointestinal system is healed enough.
- B. When I can tolerate food without vomiting.
- C. When my bowels begin to function again, and I begin to pass gas.
- D. When the doctor says so.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are discontinued when normal function returns to the gastrointestinal tract. The tube will be removed before gastrointestinal healing. Food would not be administered unless bowel function returns. Although the physician determines when the nasogastric tube will be removed, option 4 does not determine effectiveness of teaching.
2. A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.
3. The nurse is caring for a client who has had a gastroscopy. Which of the following symptoms may indicate that the client is developing a complication related to the procedure? Select all that apply.
- A. The client complains of a sore throat
- B. The client has a temperature of 100*F
- C. The client appears drowsy following the procedure
- D. The client complains of epigastric pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A temperature of 100°F, epigastric pain, and hematemesis are signs that may indicate a complication related to the gastroscopy procedure.
4. A female client complains of gnawing epigastric pain for a few hours after meals. At times, when the pain is severe, vomiting occurs. Specific tests are indicated to rule out:
- A. Cancer of the stomach
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Pylorospasm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Specific tests are indicated to rule out cancer of the stomach when a client complains of gnawing epigastric pain and vomiting after meals.
5. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
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