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. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?
- A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
- B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
- C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
- D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.
3. You’re caring for Betty with liver cirrhosis. Which of the following assessment findings leads you to suspect hepatic encephalopathy in her?
- A. Asterixis
- B. Chvostek’s sign
- C. Trousseau’s sign
- D. Hepatojugular reflex
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Asterixis, a flapping tremor of the hands, is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy.
4. The student nurse is participating in colorectal cancer-screening program. Which patient has the fewest risk factors for colon cancer?
- A. Janice, a 45 y.o. with a 25-year history of ulcerative colitis
- B. George, a 50 y.o. whose father died of colon cancer
- C. Herman, a 60 y.o. who follows a low-fat, high-fiber diet
- D. Sissy, a 72 y.o. with a history of breast cancer
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Herman, a 60 y.o. who follows a low-fat, high-fiber diet, has the fewest risk factors for colon cancer.
5. Radiation therapy is used to treat colon cancer before surgery for which of the following reasons?
- A. Reducing the size of the tumor
- B. Eliminating the malignant cells
- C. Curing the cancer
- D. Helping the bowel heal after surgery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Radiation therapy is used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, making it easier to remove.
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