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. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer?
- A. Abdominal CT scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Colonoscopy
- D. Fecal occult blood test
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A fecal occult blood test should be performed annually for individuals over age 50 to screen for colon cancer.
3. The nurse assesses the client's understanding of the relationship between body position and gastroesophageal reflux. Which response would indicate that the client understands measures to avoid problems with reflux while sleeping?
- A. I can elevate the foot of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
- B. I can sleep on my stomach with my head turned to the left.
- C. I can sleep on my back without a pillow under my head.
- D. I can elevate the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated encourages movement of food through the esophagus by gravity. By fostering esophageal acid clearance, gravity helps keep the acidic pepsin and alkaline biliary secretions from contacting the esophagus. Elevating the foot of the bed does not affect clearance of esophageal acid. Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned to the left will not decrease reflux incidence. Sleeping flat without a pillow under the head does not enhance clearance.
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 client with peptic ulcer disease tells the nurse that he has black stools, which he has not reported to his physician. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client?
- A. Ineffective coping related to fear of diagnosis of chronic illness
- B. Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms
- C. Constipation related to decreased gastric motility
- D. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements due to gastric bleeding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms is appropriate because the client did not report the black stools, which can be a sign of bleeding.
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