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. A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?
- A. Chief cells of the stomach
- B. Parietal cells of the stomach
- C. Lower esophageal sphincter
- D. Upper esophageal sphincter
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The lower esophageal sphincter is a functional sphincter that normally remains closed except when food or fluids are swallowed. If relaxation of this sphincter occurs, the client could experience symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
3. Which of the following terms best describes the pain associated with appendicitis?
- A. Aching
- B. Fleeting
- C. Intermittent
- D. Steady
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Steady. The pain associated with appendicitis is typically constant and steady, especially in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. It is not described as aching (choice A) because it is more persistent and severe than a dull ache. It is not fleeting (choice B) as appendicitis pain tends to worsen over time. It is also not intermittent (choice C) as the pain is continuous and does not come and go.
4. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
- A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
- B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
- C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
- D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.
5. Jason, a 22 y.o. accident victim, requires an NG tube for feeding. What should you immediately do after inserting an NG tube for liquid enteral feedings?
- A. Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe.
- B. Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping.
- C. Get an X-ray of the tip of the tube within 24 hours.
- D. Clamp off the tube until the feedings begin.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Immediately after inserting an NG tube for enteral feedings, aspirate for gastric secretions to confirm proper placement.
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