ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client with cirrhosis has ascites and excess fluid volume. Which measure will the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?
- A. Increase the amount of sodium in the diet.
- B. Limit the amount of fluids consumed.
- C. Encourage frequent ambulation.
- D. Administer magnesium antacids.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Excess fluid volume, related to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal and dependent areas of the body, can occur in the client with cirrhosis. Fluids should be restricted, including fluids given in medications and meals. Sodium restriction also aids in reducing fluid volume excess.
2. The nurse is doing an admission assessment on a client with a history of duodenal ulcer. To determine whether the problem is currently active, the nurse would assess the client for which of the following most frequent symptom(s) of duodenal ulcer?
- A. Pain that is relieved by food intake
- B. Pain that radiated down the right arm
- C. N/V
- D. Weight loss
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pain that is relieved by food intake is the most frequent symptom of duodenal ulcers because the food neutralizes the stomach acid.
3. Leigh Ann is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis. Which observation best indicates the treatment is effective?
- A. There is no skin breakdown.
- B. Her appetite improves.
- C. She loses more than 10 lbs.
- D. Stools are less fatty and decreased in frequency.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The effectiveness of pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis is best indicated by stools being less fatty and decreased in frequency.
4. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
5. A client with gastric cancer can expect to have surgery for resection. Which of the following should be the nursing management priority for the preoperative client with gastric cancer?
- A. Discharge planning
- B. Correction of nutritional deficits
- C. Prevention of DVT
- D. Instruction regarding radiation treatment
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The priority for preoperative management of a client with gastric cancer is the correction of nutritional deficits.
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