ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Cholestyramine resin (Questran Light) is prescribed for the client with an elevated serum cholesterol level. The nurse would instruct the client to take the medication
- A. After meals.
- B. Mixed with fruit juice.
- C. Via rectal suppository.
- D. At least 3 hours before meals.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cholestyramine resin binds with bile salts in the intestines to form a compound that is excreted in the feces. The client should be instructed to mix the medication with 3 to 6 oz of water, milk, fruit juice, or soup. The medication should be administered before meals. The medication is not administered via rectal suppository.
2. A client has a nasogastric tube inserted at the time of abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. This tube will most likely be removed when the client demonstrates:
- A. Absence of nausea and vomiting.
- B. Passage of mucus from the rectum.
- C. Passage of flatus and feces from the colostomy.
- D. Absence of stomach drainage for 24 hours.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sign indicating that a client's colostomy is open and ready to function is passage of feces and flatus. When this occurs, gastric suction is ordinarily discontinued, and the client is allowed to start taking fluids and food orally. Absence of bowel sounds would indicate that the tube should remain in place because peristalsis has not yet returned. Absence of nausea and vomiting is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued. Passage of mucus from the rectum will not occur in this client because the rectum is removed in this surgery. Absence of stomach drainage is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued.
3. A client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea. He is thin and has lost 12 pounds since the exacerbation of his ulcerative colitis. The nurse should anticipate that the physician will order which of the following treatment approaches to help the client meet his nutritional needs?
- A. Initiate continuous enteral feedings
- B. Encourage a high protein, high-calorie diet
- C. Implement total parenteral nutrition
- D. Provide six small meals a day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Implementing total parenteral nutrition helps meet the nutritional needs of a client with persistent diarrhea and significant weight loss due to ulcerative colitis.
4. Leigh Ann is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis. Which observation best indicates the treatment is effective?
- A. There is no skin breakdown.
- B. Her appetite improves.
- C. She loses more than 10 lbs.
- D. Stools are less fatty and decreased in frequency.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The effectiveness of pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis is best indicated by stools being less fatty and decreased in frequency.
5. The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
- A. The family's ability to take care of the client's special diet needs
- B. The family's expectation that the client will resume responsibilities and role-related activities
- C. Emotional support from the family
- D. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Emotional support from the family is the main need. A special diet doesn't focus on emotional needs. Role expectations don't address the main issue, but emotional support while the client is fulfilling these roles is important. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness will help them but not the client.
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