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. Glenda has cholelithiasis (gallstones). You expect her to complain of:
- A. Pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
- B. Pain in the right lower quadrant, with rebound tenderness.
- C. Pain in the left upper quadrant, with shortness of breath.
- D. Pain in the left lower quadrant, with mild cramping.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients with cholelithiasis often complain of pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
3. Donald is a 61 y.o. man with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is characterized by:
- A. Periodic rectal hemorrhage.
- B. Hypertension and tachycardia.
- C. Vomiting and elevated temperature.
- D. Crampy and lower left quadrant pain and low-grade fever.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by crampy lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever.
4. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restricting pain medication
- B. Maintaining bedrest
- C. Avoiding coughing
- D. Irrigating the drain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.
5. Your teaching Anthony how to use his new colostomy. How much skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance?
- A. 1/16”
- B. 1/4″
- C. 1/2”
- D. 1”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When teaching a patient how to use a colostomy, only 1/16” of skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance to prevent skin irritation.
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