ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the postoperative orders, which of the following if prescribed, should the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a Billroth II procedure the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation the nurse should clarify the order. Coughing and deep breathing exercises, leg exercises, and early ambulation are appropriate postoperative interventions.
2. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?
- A. Fast for 8 hours before the test
- B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast
- C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
- D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fasting for 8 hours ensures that the stomach is empty, which is necessary for an accurate barium swallow test.
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. Findings during an endoscopic exam include a cobblestone appearance of the colon in your patient. The findings are characteristic of which disorder?
- A. Ulcer
- B. Crohn’s disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Ulcerative colitis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cobblestone appearance of the colon is characteristic of Crohn’s disease.
5. When planning care for a client with ulcerative colitis who is experiencing symptoms, which client care activities can the nurse appropriately delegate to a unlicensed assistant?
- A. Assessing the client's bowel sounds
- B. administration of pain medication every 4 hours
- C. Evaluating the client's response to antidiarrheal medications
- D. Maintaining intake and output records
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Delegating tasks such as providing skin care, maintaining intake and output records, and obtaining the client's weight are within the scope of practice for an unlicensed assistant. Assessing bowel sounds and evaluating the response to medications require nursing judgment and should not be delegated.
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