ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
- A. Vitamin B12 injections
- B. Vitamin B6 injections
- C. An antibiotic
- D. An antacid
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
2. The nurse is doing pre-op teaching with the client who is about to undergo creation of a Kock pouch. The nurse interprets that the client has the best understanding of the nature of the surgery if the client makes which of the following statements?
- A. I will need to drain the pouch regularly with a catheter.
- B. I will need to wear a drainage bag for the rest of my life.
- C. The drainage from this type of ostomy will be formed.
- D. I will be able to pass stool from my rectum eventually.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy that requires catheterization to empty the internal reservoir. Understanding the need for regular catheterization indicates the client comprehends the procedure.
3. Surgical management of ulcerative colitis may be performed to treat which of the following complications?
- A. Gastritis
- B. Bowel herniation
- C. Bowel outpouching
- D. Bowel perforation
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Surgical management of ulcerative colitis may be necessary to treat complications such as bowel perforation.
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. A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid?
- A. I should take my antacid before I take my other medications.
- B. I need to decrease my intake of fluids so that I don’t dilute the effects of my antacid.
- C. My antacid will be most effective if I take it whenever I experience stomach pains.
- D. It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is best for the client to take the antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals to ensure effectiveness.
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