ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.
2. Your patient recently had abdominal surgery and tells you that he feels a popping sensation in his incision during a coughing spell, followed by severe pain. You anticipate an evisceration. Which supplies should you take to his room?
- A. A suture kit.
- B. Sterile water and a suture kit.
- C. Sterile water and sterile dressings.
- D. Sterile saline solution and sterile dressings.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a suspected evisceration, sterile saline solution and sterile dressings should be taken to the patient's room to cover the wound and keep it moist.
3. Which of the following nursing measures would be inappropriate when caring for a client with a Cantor tube?
- A. Injecting 10 mL of air into the tube to facilitate drainage.
- B. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the client's nares.
- C. Coiling extra tubing on the client's bed.
- D. Irrigating the tube with 50 mL of normal saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Intestinal tubes are not irrigated. Injecting air into the tube, applying water-soluble lubricant, and coiling extra tubing are appropriate nursing measures.
4. Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit?
- A. Abdominal distention
- B. Abdominal pain and rigidity
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the early stages of peritonitis, the client would exhibit abdominal pain and rigidity due to inflammation.
5. Develop a teaching care plan for Angie who is about to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following points do you include?
- A. You’ll need to lie on your stomach during the test.
- B. You’ll need to lie on your right side after the test.
- C. During the biopsy you’ll be asked to exhale deeply and hold it.
- D. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Instruct the patient to lie on their right side after the biopsy to apply pressure and prevent bleeding.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access