ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
- A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
- B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
- C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
- D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.
2. Fistulas are most common with which of the following bowel disorders?
- A. Crohn’s disease
- B. Diverticulitis
- C. Diverticulosis
- D. Ulcerative colitis
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fistulas are most common in Crohn's disease due to the transmural inflammation that characterizes this condition.
3. Your patient recently had abdominal surgery and tells you that he feels a popping sensation in his incision during a coughing spell, followed by severe pain. You anticipate an evisceration. Which supplies should you take to his room?
- A. A suture kit.
- B. Sterile water and a suture kit.
- C. Sterile water and sterile dressings.
- D. Sterile saline solution and sterile dressings.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a suspected evisceration, sterile saline solution and sterile dressings should be taken to the patient's room to cover the wound and keep it moist.
4. The nurse is teaching the client how to perform a colostomy irrigation. To enhance the effectiveness of the irrigation and fecal returns, what measure should the nurse instruct the client to do?
- A. Increase fluid intake
- B. Reduce the amount of irrigation solution
- C. Perform the irrigation in the evening
- D. Place heat on the abdomen
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Increasing fluid intake helps to enhance the effectiveness of colostomy irrigation by softening the stool and promoting better fecal return.
5. When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:
- A. Controlling abdominal pain.
- B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
- C. Preventing respiratory complications.
- D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Convalescence after hepatitis A may take weeks or even months. Boredom and depression are common problems that the client should anticipate. Abdominal pain is not usually a symptom of hepatitis A. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern is not usually a problem with hepatitis. Problems preventing respiratory complications are unlikely. To support healing, activity is strictly limited but bed rest is not prescribed.
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