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. A nurse is preparing to remove a nasogastric tube from a client. The nurse would instruct the client to do which of the following just before the nurse removes the tube?
- A. To perform Valsalva’s maneuver
- B. To take hold and hold a deep breath
- C. To exhale
- D. To inhale and exhale quickly
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When the nurse removes a nasogastric tube, the client is instructed to take and hold a deep breath. This will be obstructed temporarily during the tube removal. This allows for easy withdrawal through the esophagus into the nose. The nurse removes the tube with one smooth, continuous pull.
3. A patient with Crohn’s disease is admitted after 4 days of diarrhea. Which of the following urine specific gravity values do you expect to find in this patient?
- A. 1.005
- B. 1.011
- C. 1.02
- D. 1.03
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A urine specific gravity of 1.030 indicates concentrated urine, which is expected in a patient with dehydration due to diarrhea from Crohn’s disease.
4. Medical management of the client with diverticulitis should include which of the following treatments?
- A. Reduced fluid intake
- B. Increased fiber in diet
- C. Administration of antibiotics
- D. Exercises to increase intra-abdominal pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Medical management of diverticulitis typically includes the administration of antibiotics to treat infection and inflammation.
5. The nurse evaluates the client’s stoma during the initial post-op period. Which of the following observations should be reported immediately to the physician?
- A. The stoma is slightly edematous
- B. The stoma is dark red to purple
- C. The stoma oozes a small amount of blood
- D. The stoma does not expel stool
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A dark red to purple stoma may indicate compromised blood flow or ischemia, which requires immediate medical attention. This color change could be a sign of inadequate blood supply to the stoma tissue, leading to tissue damage or necrosis. Reporting this observation promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, C, and D are not indicative of immediate medical concern. A slightly edematous stoma, oozing a small amount of blood, or not expelling stool may not be uncommon findings during the initial post-op period and can be managed without urgent intervention.
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