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. Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?
- A. Regain weight loss within 1 month after surgery
- B. Resume normal dietary intake of three meals per day
- C. Control nausea and vomiting through regular use of antiemetics
- D. Achieve optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Achieving optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings is an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer.
3. The client with GERD complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions?
- A. Development of laryngeal cancer
- B. Irritation of the esophagus
- C. Esophageal scar tissue formation
- D. Aspiration of gastric contents
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents can lead to a chronic cough in clients with GERD.
4. Develop a teaching care plan for Angie who is about to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following points do you include?
- A. You’ll need to lie on your stomach during the test.
- B. You’ll need to lie on your right side after the test.
- C. During the biopsy you’ll be asked to exhale deeply and hold it.
- D. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Instruct the patient to lie on their right side after the biopsy to apply pressure and prevent bleeding.
5. Which of the following dietary measures would be useful in preventing esophageal reflux?
- A. Eating small, frequent meals
- B. Increasing fluid intake
- C. Avoiding air swallowing with meals
- D. Adding a bedtime snack to the dietary plan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals helps prevent esophageal reflux.
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