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. In a client with diarrhea, which outcome indicates that fluid resuscitation is successful?
- A. The client passes formed stools at regular intervals
- B. The client reports a decrease in stool frequency and liquidity
- C. The client exhibits firm skin turgor
- D. The client no longer experiences perianal burning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Firm skin turgor indicates adequate hydration, which is a key goal of fluid resuscitation. Formed stools, decreased stool frequency, and relief from perianal burning are important but do not directly indicate successful fluid resuscitation.
3. After abdominal surgery, your patient has a severe coughing episode that causes wound evisceration. In addition to calling the doctor, which intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Irrigate the wound & organs with Betadine.
- B. Cover the wound with a saline soaked sterile dressing.
- C. Apply a dry sterile dressing & binder.
- D. Push the organs back & cover with moist sterile dressings.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Covering the wound with a saline soaked sterile dressing is the most appropriate intervention for wound evisceration.
4. When teaching an elderly client how to prevent constipation, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Drink 6 glasses of fluid each day.
- B. Avoid grain products and nuts.
- C. Add at least 4 grams of brain to your cereal each morning.
- D. Be sure to get regular exercise.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: To prevent constipation, elderly clients should be encouraged to get regular exercise, which promotes bowel motility.
5. Which of the following treatments is used for rectal cancer but not for colon cancer?
- A. Chemotherapy
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Radiation
- D. Surgical resection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Radiation therapy is commonly used for rectal cancer to shrink the tumor before surgery, which is not typically done for colon cancer.
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