ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
- A. Does the pain in your abdomen radiate to your groin.
- B. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?
- C. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to your lower middle abdomen?
- D. Does the pain in your lower abdomen radiate to the hip?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not specific for the pain experienced by the client with pancreatitis.
2. The client with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled for a pyloroplasty. The client asks the nurse about the procedure. The nurse plans to respond knowing that a pyloroplasty involves:
- A. Cutting the vagus nerve
- B. Removing the distal portion of the stomach
- C. Removal of the ulcer and a large portion of the cells that produce hydrochloric acid
- D. An incision and resuturing of the pylorus to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening from the stomach to the duodenum.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A pyloroplasty involves making an incision in the pylorus (the opening from the stomach to the duodenum) and then resuturing it to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening.
3. During the first few days of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, which of the following aspects should be the first priority of client care?
- A. Body image
- B. Ostomy care
- C. Sexual concerns
- D. Skin care
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the initial recovery period from ostomy surgery, skin care is the first priority to prevent irritation and infection around the stoma site.
4. The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery for 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increases abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
- B. Notify the physician.
- C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible.
- D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on warm setting to the client’s abdomen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and should notify the physician. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the physician probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.
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
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
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.
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