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. Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which lab value is most likely to be elevated?
- A. Calcium
- B. Glucose
- C. Magnesium
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.
3. Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with esophageal varices?
- A. Recognizing hemorrhage
- B. Controlling blood pressure
- C. Encouraging nutritional intake
- D. Teaching the client about varices
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary focus for a client with esophageal varices is recognizing hemorrhage because these varices can rupture and cause significant bleeding.
4. Janice is waiting for discharge instructions after her herniorrhaphy. Which of the following instructions do you include?
- A. Eat a low-fiber diet.
- B. Resume heavy lifting in 2 weeks.
- C. Lose weight, if obese.
- D. Resume sexual activity once discomfort is gone.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Advise the patient to lose weight if obese to reduce the risk of complications after herniorrhaphy.
5. Glenda has cholelithiasis (gallstones). You expect her to complain of:
- A. Pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
- B. Pain in the right lower quadrant, with rebound tenderness.
- C. Pain in the left upper quadrant, with shortness of breath.
- D. Pain in the left lower quadrant, with mild cramping.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients with cholelithiasis often complain of pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
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