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. Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications DOES NOT cause increased abdominal pressure?
- A. Obesity
- B. Volvulus
- C. Constipation
- D. Intestinal obstruction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obesity, constipation, and intestinal obstruction can all lead to increased abdominal pressure, which in turn can cause a hiatal hernia.
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 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- B. White blood cell count.
- C. Hematocrit.
- D. Serum glucose.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.
5. The nurse is teaching the client how to perform a colostomy irrigation. To enhance the effectiveness of the irrigation and fecal returns, what measure should the nurse instruct the client to do?
- A. Increase fluid intake
- B. Reduce the amount of irrigation solution
- C. Perform the irrigation in the evening
- D. Place heat on the abdomen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake helps to enhance the effectiveness of colostomy irrigation by softening the stool and promoting better fecal return.
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