ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client with chronic pancreatitis needs information on dietary modification to manage the health problem. The nurse teaches the client to limit which of the following items in the diet?
- A. Carbohydrate
- B. Protein
- C. Fat
- D. Water-soluble vitamins
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should limit fat in the diet. The client also should take in small meals, which also will reduce the amount of carbohydrates and protein that the client must digest at any one time. The client does not need to limit water-soluble vitamins in the diet.
2. The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices is:
- A. Decreased prothrombin formation
- B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
- C. Portal hypertension
- D. Increased central venous pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Portal hypertension is the most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation of esophageal varices.
3. Your patient with peritonitis is NPO and complaining of thirst. What is your priority?
- A. Increase the I.V. infusion rate.
- B. Use diversion activities.
- C. Provide frequent mouth care.
- D. Give ice chips every 15 minutes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide frequent mouth care. In a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and thirsty, the priority is to maintain oral hygiene and provide comfort by moistening the mouth with frequent mouth care. This helps alleviate the sensation of thirst and maintains oral health. Increasing the IV infusion rate (choice A) may not address the patient's discomfort directly related to thirst. Using diversion activities (choice B) is not as critical as addressing the patient's immediate need for oral care. Giving ice chips every 15 minutes (choice D) is not recommended for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO, as it can lead to complications or worsen the condition.
4. Before bowel surgery, Lee is to administer enemas until clear. During administration, he complains of intestinal cramps. What do you do next?
- A. Discontinue the procedure.
- B. Lower the height of the enema container.
- C. Complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
- D. Continue administration of the enema as ordered without making any adjustments.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: If a patient complains of intestinal cramps during an enema, lowering the height of the enema container can help reduce discomfort.
5. 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.
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