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. Which of the following nursing interventions should be implemented to manage a client with appendicitis?
- A. Assessing for pain
- B. Encouraging oral intake of clear fluids
- C. Providing discharge teaching
- D. Assessing for symptoms of peritonitis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assessing for symptoms of peritonitis. This intervention is crucial in managing a client with appendicitis because it indicates a possible rupture of the inflamed appendix. Symptoms of peritonitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal rigidity. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is essential for timely intervention and surgical management. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while assessing for pain is important, assessing for symptoms of peritonitis takes precedence due to the critical nature of appendicitis. Encouraging oral intake of clear fluids and providing discharge teaching are not immediate priorities in the management of a client with acute appendicitis.
3. Which stoma would you expect a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown?
- A. Ileostomy.
- B. Ascending colostomy.
- C. Transverse colostomy.
- D. Descending colostomy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An ileostomy would have a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown.
4. You are developing a careplan on Sally, a 67 y.o. patient with hepatic encephalopathy. Which of the following do you include?
- A. Administering a lactulose enema as ordered.
- B. Encouraging a protein-rich diet.
- C. Administering sedatives, as necessary.
- D. Encouraging ambulation at least four times a day.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering a lactulose enema as ordered helps reduce ammonia levels in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
5. A 40-year-old male client has been hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease. He is being treated with a histamine receptor antagonist (cimetidine), antacids, and diet. The nurse doing discharge planning will teach him that the action of cimetidine is to:
- A. Reduce gastric acid output
- B. Protect the ulcer surface
- C. Inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl)
- D. Inhibit vagus nerve stimulation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cimetidine inhibits the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl), which helps to treat peptic ulcer disease.
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