ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is doing preoperative teaching with the client who is about to undergo creation of a Kock pouch. The nurse interprets that the client has the best understanding of the nature of the surgery if the client makes which of the following statements?
- A. I will need to drain the pouch regularly with a catheter.
- B. I will need to wear a drainage bag for the rest of my life.
- C. The drainage from this type of ostomy will be formed.
- D. I will be able to pass stool from the rectum eventually.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A Kock pouch is a continent ileostomy. As the ileostomy begins to function, the client drains it every 3 to 4 hours and then decreases the draining about 3 times a day or as needed when full. The client does not need to wear a drainage bag but should wear an absorbent dressing to absorb mucous drainage from the stoma. Ileostomy drainage is liquid. The client would be able to pass stool only from the rectum if an ileal-anal pouch or anastomosis were created. This type of operation is a two-stage procedure.
2. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Elevated serum bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
3. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?
- A. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
- B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- C. Captopril (Capoten)
- D. Propanolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.
4. A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.
5. Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy’s sign?
- A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
- B. On deep palpation and release, pain is elicited
- C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
- D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Murphy's sign is described as pain elicited on deep inspiration when the examiner's fingers are placed under the right costal margin.
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