ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
- A. The family's ability to take care of the client's special diet needs
- B. The family's expectation that the client will resume responsibilities and role-related activities
- C. Emotional support from the family
- D. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Emotional support from the family is the main need. A special diet doesn't focus on emotional needs. Role expectations don't address the main issue, but emotional support while the client is fulfilling these roles is important. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness will help them but not the client.
2. You’re caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She’s concerned about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn’t appropriate?
- A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
- B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
- C. Discuss the effects of hepatitis B on future health problems.
- D. Provide avenues for financial counseling if she expresses the need.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to not worry about the future is not appropriate. Instead, address her concerns and provide information.
3. If a client had irritable bowel syndrome, which of the following diagnostic tests would determine if the diagnosis is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
- A. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Colonoscopy with biopsy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A colonoscopy with biopsy is the most definitive diagnostic test to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
4. A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Notify the physician.
- B. Change the dressing.
- C. Circle the amount on the dressing with a pen.
- D. Continue to monitor the drainage.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Serosanguineous drainage with a small amount of bile is expected from the Penrose drain for the first 24 hours. Drainage then decreases, and the drain is removed usually within 48 hours. The nurse does not need to notify the physician. A sterile dressing covers the site and should be changed to prevent infection and skin excoriation.
5. Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit?
- A. Abdominal distention
- B. Abdominal pain and rigidity
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the early stages of peritonitis, the client would exhibit abdominal pain and rigidity due to inflammation.
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