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. While caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease, the client reports that he has been nauseated most of the day and is now feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Based upon these findings, which nursing actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?
- A. Administering an antacid hourly until nausea subsides.
- B. Monitoring the client's vital signs
- C. Notifying the family and friends of the client's symptoms
- D. Initiating oxygen therapy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring the client's vital signs and notifying the physician of the client's symptoms are crucial actions based on the reported symptoms.
3. In a client with diarrhea, which outcome indicates that fluid resuscitation is successful?
- A. The client passes formed stools at regular intervals
- B. The client reports a decrease in stool frequency and liquidity
- C. The client exhibits firm skin turgor
- D. The client no longer experiences perianal burning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Firm skin turgor indicates adequate hydration, which is a key goal of fluid resuscitation. Formed stools, decreased stool frequency, and relief from perianal burning are important but do not directly indicate successful fluid resuscitation.
4. The nurse is reviewing the physician’s orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client’s chart?
- A. NPO status
- B. Insert a nasogastric tube
- C. An anticholinergic medication
- D. Morphine for pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Morphine for pain should be questioned as it can cause spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, worsening pancreatitis.
5. Britney, a 20 y.o. student is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory findings do you expect to be abnormal for this patient?
- A. Serum creatinine and BUN
- B. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- C. Serum amylase and lipase
- D. Cardiac enzymes
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Serum amylase and lipase levels are typically elevated in patients with acute pancreatitis.
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