ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.
2. The pain of a duodenal ulcer can be distinguished from that of a gastric ulcer by which of the following characteristics?
- A. Early satiety
- B. Pain on eating
- C. Dull upper epigastric pain
- D. Pain on empty stomach
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Pain on an empty stomach is characteristic of a duodenal ulcer, while pain on eating is characteristic of a gastric ulcer.
3. The nurse is scheduling diagnostic tests for a client. If all of the following diagnostic tests are ordered, which would be performed last?
- A. Gallbladder series
- B. Barium enema
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Oral cholecystogram
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Barium swallow.' A barium swallow should be done after a barium enema or gallbladder series to prevent the contrast used in the barium swallow from obstructing the view of other organs. It takes several days for swallowed barium to pass completely out of the gastrointestinal tract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a barium swallow should be the last test performed to ensure clear imaging without interference from residual contrast material.
4. The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?
- A. The stoma is slightly edematous
- B. The stoma is dark red to purple
- C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood
- D. The stoma does not expel stool
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A dark red to purple stoma may indicate compromised blood flow or ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. This color change could be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the stoma tissue, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Reporting this observation promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of immediate medical concern. A slightly edematous stoma, oozing a small amount of blood, or not expelling stool may not be uncommon findings during the initial post-op period and can be managed without urgent intervention.
5. A client with liver dysfunction is having difficulty with protein metabolism. The nurse anticipates that the results of which of the following serum laboratory studies will be elevated?
- A. Lactic acid
- B. Ammonia
- C. Albumin
- D. Lactase
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During deamination of proteins, the liver splits the amino group from the carbon-containing compound, which results in the formation of ammonia and a carbon residue. The liver then converts the toxic ammonia substance into urea, which can be excreted by the kidneys. Clients with liver dysfunction may have high serum ammonia levels as a result.
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