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 admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?
- A. Constipation.
- B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
- C. Steatorrhea.
- D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
3. A nurse teaches a preoperative client about the nasogastric tube that will be inserted in preparation for surgery. The nurse determines that the client understands when the tube will be removed in the postoperative period when the client states
- A. When my gastrointestinal system is healed enough.
- B. When I can tolerate food without vomiting.
- C. When my bowels begin to function again, and I begin to pass gas.
- D. When the doctor says so.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are discontinued when normal function returns to the gastrointestinal tract. The tube will be removed before gastrointestinal healing. Food would not be administered unless bowel function returns. Although the physician determines when the nasogastric tube will be removed, option 4 does not determine effectiveness of teaching.
4. Regina is a 46 y.o. woman with ulcerative colitis. You expect her stools to look like:
- A. Watery and frothy.
- B. Bloody and mucoid.
- C. Firm and well-formed.
- D. Alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Stools in ulcerative colitis are typically bloody and mucoid.
5. You’re assessing the stoma of a patient with a healthy, well-healed colostomy. You expect the stoma to appear:
- A. Pale, pink and moist
- B. Red and moist
- C. Dark or purple colored
- D. Dry and black
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A healthy, well-healed colostomy stoma should appear red and moist.
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