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. Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis. Treatment for her includes:
- A. Continuous peritoneal lavage.
- B. Regular diet with increased fat.
- C. Nutritional support with TPN.
- D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Treatment for acute pancreatitis includes nutritional support with TPN.
3. The nurse would assess the client experiencing an acute episode of cholecystitis for pain that is located in the right:
- A. Upper quadrant and radiates to the left scapula and shoulder
- B. Upper quadrant and radiates to the right scapula and shoulder
- C. Lower quadrant and radiates to the umbilicus
- D. Lower quadrant and radiates to the back
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Pain from cholecystitis is typically located in the right upper quadrant and may radiate to the right scapula and shoulder.
4. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?
- A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
- B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
- C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
- D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.
5. When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis who is experiencing symptoms, which client care activities can the nurse appropriately delegate to a unlicensed assistant?
- A. Assessing the client's bowel sounds
- B. administration of pain medication every 4 hours
- C. Evaluating the client's response to antidiarrheal medications
- D. Maintaining intake and output records
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Delegating tasks such as providing skin care, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight are within the scope of practice for an unlicensed assistant. Assessing bowel sounds and evaluating the response to medications require nursing judgment and should not be delegated.
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