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. Which of the following factors is believed to be linked to Crohn’s disease?
- A. Constipation
- B. Diet
- C. Hereditary
- D. Lack of exercise
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Crohn's disease is believed to have a hereditary link, with genetic factors playing a significant role in its development.
3. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?
- A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
- B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
- C. Remove the irrigation tube.
- D. Massage the abdomen gently.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.
4. 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.
5. A 30-year old client experiences weight loss, abdominal distention, crampy abdominal pain, and intermittent diarrhea after the birth of her 2nd child. Diagnostic tests reveal gluten-induced enteropathy. Which foods must she eliminate from her diet permanently?
- A. Milk and dairy products
- B. Protein-containing foods
- C. Cereal grains (except rice and corn)
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Gluten-induced enteropathy, or celiac disease, requires the elimination of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Dairy, proteins, and carbohydrates are not excluded unless the client has specific intolerances.
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