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. The student nurse is participating in colorectal cancer-screening program. Which patient has the fewest risk factors for colon cancer?
- A. Janice, a 45 y.o. with a 25-year history of ulcerative colitis
- B. George, a 50 y.o. whose father died of colon cancer
- C. Herman, a 60 y.o. who follows a low-fat, high-fiber diet
- D. Sissy, a 72 y.o. with a history of breast cancer
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Herman, a 60 y.o. who follows a low-fat, high-fiber diet, has the fewest risk factors for colon cancer.
3. You’re preparing a patient with a malignant tumor for colorectal surgery and subsequent colostomy. The patient tells you he’s anxious. What should your initial step be in working with this patient?
- A. Determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.
- B. Show the patient some pictures of colostomies.
- C. Arrange for someone who has a colostomy to visit the patient.
- D. Provide the patient with written material about colostomy care.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient with a malignant tumor is anxious about colorectal surgery and a colostomy, the initial step is to determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.
4. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?
- A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
- B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
- C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
- D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.
5. A client is recovering from an ileostomy that was performed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. During discharge teaching for this client, the nurse should stress:
- A. increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- B. wearing an appliance pouch at all times.
- C. consuming a low-protein, high-fiber diet.
- D. avoiding enteric-coated medications.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. An ileostomy typically drains liquid waste, so the client is at risk of fluid loss. By increasing fluid intake, the client can prevent dehydration. It's essential for the client to wear a collection appliance at all times because ileostomy drainage is incontinent. Consuming a low-protein, high-fiber diet is not recommended as high-fiber foods can cause intestinal irritation. Enteric-coated medications should be avoided because they may not be absorbed properly after an ileostomy.
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