ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?
- A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
- B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
- C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
- D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.
2. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?
- A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
- B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
- C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
- D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.
3. Crohn’s disease can be described as a chronic relapsing disease. Which of the following areas in the GI system may be involved with this disease?
- A. The entire length of the large colon
- B. Only the sigmoid area
- C. The entire large colon through the layers of mucosa and submucosa
- D. The small intestine and colon; affecting the entire thickness of the bowel
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but it commonly affects the small intestine and colon, involving the entire thickness of the bowel wall.
4. When counseling a client in ways to prevent cholecystitis, which of the following guidelines is most important?
- A. Eat a low-protein diet
- B. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
- C. Limit exercise to 10 minutes/day
- D. Keep weight proportionate to height
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is most important for preventing cholecystitis.
5. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?
- A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
- B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
- C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
- D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.
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