ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is planning to teach the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease about substances that will increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Which of the following items would the nurse include on this list?
- A. Fatty foods
- B. Nonfat milk
- C. Chocolate
- D. Coffee
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Foods that increase the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure will decrease reflux, and lessen the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The food substance that will increase the LES pressure is nonfat milk. The other substances listed decrease the LES pressure, thus increasing reflux symptoms. Aggravating substances include chocolate, coffee, fatty foods and alcohol.
2. The nurse is preparing to discontinue a client’s nasogastric tube. The client is positioned properly, and the tube has been flushed with 15 mL of air to clear secretions. Before removing the tube, the nurse makes which statement to the client?
- A. Take a deep breath when I tell you and breathe normally while I remove the tube.
- B. Take a deep breath when I tell you and bear down while I remove the tube.
- C. Take a deep breath when I tell you and slowly exhale while I remove the tube.
- D. Take a deep breath when I tell you and hold it while I remove the tube.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should take a deep breath because the client’s airway will be obstructed temporarily during tube removal. The nurse then tells the client to exhale slowly and withdraws the tube during exhalation. Bearing down could inhibit the removal of the tube. Breathing normally could result in aspiration of gastric secretions during inhalation. Holding the breath does not facilitate tube removal.
3. A female client complains of gnawing epigastric pain for a few hours after meals. At times, when the pain is severe, vomiting occurs. Specific tests are indicated to rule out:
- A. Cancer of the stomach
- B. Peptic ulcer disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Pylorospasm
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Specific tests are indicated to rule out cancer of the stomach when a client complains of gnawing epigastric pain and vomiting after meals.
4. The client with chronic pancreatitis needs information on dietary modification to manage the health problem. The nurse teaches the client to limit which of the following items in the diet?
- A. Carbohydrate
- B. Protein
- C. Fat
- D. Water-soluble vitamins
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should limit fat in the diet. The client also should take in small meals, which also will reduce the amount of carbohydrates and protein that the client must digest at any one time. The client does not need to limit water-soluble vitamins in the diet.
5. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.†Which response is most therapeutic?
- A. I know just how you feel.
- B. You seem upset.
- C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
- D. Why do you think you have cancer?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.
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