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. 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.
3. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?
- A. A cardiac monitor
- B. An intubation set
- C. A suction setup
- D. A tracheotomy set
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.
4. Five days after undergoing surgery, a client develops a small-bowel obstruction. A Miller-Abbott tube is inserted for bowel decompression. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?
- A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
- B. Acute pain
- C. Deficient fluid volume
- D. Excess fluid volume
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a client with a small-bowel obstruction and a Miller-Abbott tube, deficient fluid volume is the priority nursing diagnosis.
5. A 40-year-old male client has been hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease. He is being treated with a histamine receptor antagonist (cimetidine), antacids, and diet. The nurse doing discharge planning will teach him that the action of cimetidine is to:
- A. Reduce gastric acid output
- B. Protect the ulcer surface
- C. Inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- D. Inhibit vagus nerve stimulation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cimetidine inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which helps to treat peptic ulcer disease.
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