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. Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which substance increases?
- A. Ammonia
- B. Amylase
- C. Calcium
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of ammonia increases.
3. Rob is a 46 y.o. admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of Hepatitis B. He’s jaundiced and reports weakness. Which intervention will you include in his care?
- A. Regular exercise.
- B. A low-protein diet.
- C. Allow patient to select his meals.
- D. Rest period after small, frequent meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with hepatitis B who is jaundiced and reports weakness, providing rest periods after small, frequent meals is important.
4. 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.
5. Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit?
- A. A change in appetite
- B. A change in bowel habits
- C. An increase in body weight
- D. An increase in body temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A change in bowel habits is the most common symptom of colon cancer.
Similar Questions
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