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. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?
- A. Flat neck veins
- B. Hypotension
- C. Weak pulse
- D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.
3. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the postoperative orders, which of the following if prescribed, should the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a Billroth II procedure the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation the nurse should clarify the order. Coughing and deep breathing exercises, leg exercises, and early ambulation are appropriate postoperative interventions.
4. A client presents to the emergency room, reporting that he has been vomiting every 30 to 40 minutes for the past 8 hours. Frequent vomiting puts him at risk for which of the following?
- A. Metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia
- B. Metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia
- C. Metabolic alkalosis with hyperkalemia
- D. Metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Frequent vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia due to the loss of stomach acid and electrolytes.
5. The nurse instructs the ileostomy client to do which of the following as a part of essential care of the stoma?
- A. Cleanse the peristomal skin meticulously
- B. Take in high-fiber foods such as nuts
- C. Massage the area below the stoma
- D. Limit fluid intake to prevent diarrhea.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Cleansing the peristomal skin meticulously is crucial to prevent irritation and infection around the stoma.
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