the nurse is irrigating a clients colostomy when she complains of abdominal cramping after receiving about 100 ml of the irrigating solution what shou
Logo

Nursing Elites

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?

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 mechanisms can facilitate the development of diverticulosis into diverticulitis?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum can lead to bacterial invasion, causing inflammation and turning diverticulosis into diverticulitis. Choices A, B, and C do not directly facilitate the development of diverticulitis. Choice A involves a different mechanism related to laxative use, choice B describes a complication of chronic constipation but does not necessarily lead to diverticulitis, and choice C refers to a different condition involving herniation of the intestinal mucosa.

3. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.

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?

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. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.

Similar Questions

A client has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted for tube feedings. Before starting a continuous feeding, the nurse should place the client in which position?
A client is recovering from an ileostomy that was performed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. During discharge teaching for this client, the nurse should stress:
Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?
Leigh Ann is receiving pancrelipase (Viokase) for chronic pancreatitis. Which observation best indicates the treatment is effective?
The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?

Access More Features

ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days

  • 5,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
  • 30 days access

Other Courses