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. The client with Crohn’s disease has a nursing diagnosis of acute pain. The nurse would teach the client to avoid which of the following in managing this problem?
- A. Lying supine with the legs straight
- B. Massaging the abdomen
- C. Using antispasmodic medication
- D. Using relaxation techniques
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Lying supine with the legs straight can increase abdominal tension and exacerbate pain. The client should be advised to lie with the legs bent to reduce muscle tension and discomfort.
3. A client with peptic ulcer is scheduled for a Vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure
- A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach.
- B. Heals the gastric mucosa.
- C. Halts stress reactions.
- D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy, or cutting of the vagus nerve, is done to eliminate parasympathetic stimulation of gastric secretion, thereby reducing the stimulus to acid secretions. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as a vagotomy does not affect food absorption, heal the gastric mucosa, or halt stress reactions.
4. Michael, a 42 y.o. man is admitted to the med-surg floor with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. His BP is 136/76, pulse 96, Resps 22 and temp 101. His past history includes hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. The doctor prescribes an NG tube. Before inserting the tube, you explain the purpose to patient. Which of the following is a most accurate explanation?
- A. It empties the stomach of fluids and gas.
- B. It prevents spasms at the sphincter of Oddi.
- C. It prevents air from forming in the small intestine and large intestine.
- D. It removes bile from the gallbladder.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Explain to the patient that the NG tube is used to empty the stomach of fluids and gas, which helps relieve symptoms of acute pancreatitis.
5. Develop a teaching care plan for Angie who is about to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following points do you include?
- A. You’ll need to lie on your stomach during the test.
- B. You’ll need to lie on your right side after the test.
- C. During the biopsy you’ll be asked to exhale deeply and hold it.
- D. The biopsy is performed under general anesthesia.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Instruct the patient to lie on their right side after the biopsy to apply pressure and prevent bleeding.
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