ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?
- A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
- B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
- C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
- D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated encourages movement of food through the esophagus by gravity. By fostering esophageal acid clearance, gravity helps keep the acidic pepsin and alkaline biliary secretions from contacting the esophagus. Elevating the foot of the bed does not affect clearance of esophageal acid. Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the left will not decrease reflux incidence. Sleeping flat without a pillow under the head does not enhance clearance.
2. Care for the postoperative client after gastric resection should focus on which of the following problems?
- A. Body image
- B. Nutritional needs
- C. Skin care
- D. Spiritual needs
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative care after gastric resection should focus on the client's nutritional needs to ensure proper healing and recovery.
3. Your patient has a GI tract that is functioning, but has the inability to swallow foods. Which is the preferred method of feeding for your patient?
- A. TPN
- B. PPN
- C. NG feeding
- D. Oral liquid supplements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: NG feeding is the preferred method for patients with a functioning GI tract but an inability to swallow foods.
4. Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications can cause increased abdominal pressure?
- A. Obesity
- B. Volvulus
- C. Constipation
- D. Intestinal obstruction
Correct answer: A, C, D
Rationale: Obesity, constipation, and intestinal obstruction can all lead to increased abdominal pressure, which in turn can cause a hiatal hernia.
5. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
- B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
- C. Quickly insert the tube.
- D. Notify the physician immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.
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