ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that
- A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
- B. This is a normal, expected event.
- C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
- D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.
2. Which of the following complications of gastric resection should the nurse teach the client to watch for?
- A. Constipation
- B. Dumping syndrome
- C. Gastric spasm
- D. Intestinal spasms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients should be taught to watch for symptoms of dumping syndrome, a common complication after gastric resection.
3. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented on the client’s record?
- A. Chronic constipation
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Diarrhea is a common stool characteristic in clients with Crohn’s disease due to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative teaching, Gail states,”If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I’ll avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?” What is the best response?
- A. You’ll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours.
- B. It’s always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery.
- C. The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours.
- D. Why don’t you decide about activity after you return from the recovery room?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response to Gail is to inform her that she will need to turn from side to side every 2 hours to prevent complications.
5. When counseling a client in ways to prevent cholecystitis, which of the following guidelines is most important?
- A. Eat a low-protein diet
- B. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
- C. Limit exercise to 10 minutes/day
- D. Keep weight proportionate to height
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is most important for preventing cholecystitis.
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