ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:
- A. restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1,000 ml)/day.
- B. drink liquids only with meals.
- C. don't drink liquids 2 hours before meals.
- D. drink liquids only between meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A client who experiences dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy should be advised to ingest liquids between meals rather than with meals. Taking fluids between meals allows for adequate hydration, reduces the amount of bulk ingested with meals, and aids in preventing rapid gastric emptying. There is no need to restrict the amount of fluids, just the time when the client drinks fluids. Drinking liquids with meals increases the risk of dumping syndrome by increasing the amount of bulk and stimulating rapid gastric emptying. Small amounts of water are allowable before meals.
2. When teaching an elderly client how to prevent constipation, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Drink 6 glasses of fluid each day.
- B. Avoid grain products and nuts.
- C. Add at least 4 grams of brain to your cereal each morning.
- D. Be sure to get regular exercise.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: To prevent constipation, elderly clients should be encouraged to get regular exercise, which promotes bowel motility.
3. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
4. A female client complains of gnawing epigastric pain for a few hours after meals. At times, when the pain is severe, vomiting occurs. Specific tests are indicated to rule out:
- A. Cancer of the stomach
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Pylorospasm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Specific tests are indicated to rule out cancer of the stomach when a client complains of gnawing epigastric pain and vomiting after meals.
5. A client with which of the following conditions may be likely to develop rectal cancer?
- A. Adenomatous polyps
- B. Diverticulitis
- C. Hemorrhoids
- D. Peptic ulcer disease
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Adenomatous polyps are a known risk factor for the development of rectal cancer.
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