ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client indeed has appendicitis?
- A. Leukopenia with a shift to the right
- B. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right
- C. Leukocytosis with a shift to the left
- D. Leukopenia with a shift to the left
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Laboratory findings do not establish the diagnosis of appendicitis, but often moderate elevation of the white blood cell count (leukocytosis) to 10,000 to 18,000 cells/mm3 occurs with a “shift to the left” (an increased number of immature white blood cells.).
2. You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:
- A. Formed
- B. Semisolid
- C. Semiliquid
- D. Watery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is typically formed.
3. Which of the following medications is most effective for treating the pain associated with irritable bowel disease?
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Opiates
- C. Steroids
- D. Stool softeners
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acetaminophen is often the first line of treatment for pain associated with irritable bowel disease due to its safety profile.
4. After a subtotal gastrectomy, care of the client’s nasogastric tube and drainage system should include which of the following nursing interventions?
- A. Irrigate the tube with 30 ml of sterile water every hour, if needed.
- B. Reposition the tube if it is not draining well
- C. Monitor the client for N/V, and abdominal distention
- D. Turn the machine to high suction of the drainage is sluggish on low suction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring the client for nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention is crucial for ensuring proper functioning of the nasogastric tube and drainage system.
5. The client who has undergone creation of a colostomy has a nursing diagnosis of Disturbed body image. The nurse would evaluate that the client is making the most significant progress toward identified goals if the client:
- A. Watches the nurse empty the colostomy bag
- B. Looks at the ostomy site
- C. Reads the ostomy product literature
- D. Practices cutting the ostomy appliance
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Practices cutting the ostomy appliance. This choice indicates that the client is actively involved in self-care and adapting to the colostomy. By practicing cutting the ostomy appliance, the client is demonstrating independence and self-management skills, showing significant progress towards overcoming the disturbed body image. Choices A, B, and C do not involve active participation in self-care tasks related to the colostomy, which are essential for the client's adaptation and acceptance.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access