ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 mL of the irrigating solution. What should the nurse's first response be in this situation?
- A. Stop the flow of solution temporarily.
- B. Reposition the client on to her right side.
- C. Remove the irrigation tube.
- D. Massage the abdomen gently.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside. Repositioning the client to the right side will not alleviate the cramping. Removing the tube will not decrease the cramping and will necessitate reinsertion of the tube when the irrigation is resumed. Massaging the abdomen gently may be soothing to some clients, but it is not the nurse's first priority action.
2. Which of the following conditions is most likely to directly cause peritonitis?
- A. Cholelithiasis
- B. Gastritis
- C. Perforated ulcer
- D. Incarcerated hernia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A perforated ulcer is most likely to directly cause peritonitis due to the leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity.
3. A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, 'I’m not sure I can avoid alcohol.' The most appropriate response is
- A. Everything will be alright.
- B. I think you should talk more with the doctor about this.
- C. I don’t believe that.
- D. I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response in this situation is to seek clarification from the client by saying, 'I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?' This response shows empathy and a willingness to listen, encouraging the client to elaborate on their concerns. False reassurance (Choice A) is not helpful as it dismisses the client's feelings. Suggesting to talk more with the doctor (Choice B) may deflect from addressing the client's immediate concerns. Expressing disbelief (Choice C) can create a barrier to open communication, making the client feel unsupported.
4. The client with a new colostomy is concerned about the odor from stool from the ostomy drainage bag. The nurse teaches the client to include which of the following foods in the diet to reduce odor?
- A. Yogurt
- B. Broccoli
- C. Cucumbers
- D. Eggs
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The client should be taught to include deodorizing foods in the diet, such as beet greens, parsley, buttermilk, and yogurt. Spinach also reduces odor but is a gas-forming food as well. Broccoli, cucumber, and eggs are gas-forming foods.
5. The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is:
- A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back.
- B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin.
- C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus.
- D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, unrelenting pain in the epigastric area that radiates to the back. This pain is due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.
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