ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid?
- A. I should take my antacid before I take my other medications.
- B. I need to decrease my intake of fluids so that I don’t dilute the effects of my antacid.
- C. My antacid will be most effective if I take it whenever I experience stomach pains.
- D. It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is best for the client to take the antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals to ensure effectiveness.
3. What information is correct about stomach cancer?
- A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom.
- B. Surgery is often a successful treatment.
- C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments.
- D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stomach pain is often a late symptom of stomach cancer.
4. The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client who had a subtotal gastrectomy. The nurse instructs the client regarding the signs and symptoms associated with dumping syndrome. Which of the following signs and symptoms, if identified by the client, indicates an understanding of this potential complication following gastrointestinal surgery?
- A. Hiccups and diarrhea
- B. Fatigue and abdominal pain
- C. Constipation and fever
- D. Diaphoresis and diarrhea
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Diaphoresis and diarrhea. Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery when food moves quickly from the stomach to the intestine, causing fluid shifts and leading to symptoms like weakness, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain, distension, hyperactive bowel sounds, and diarrhea. Choices A, B, and C do not reflect the typical signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome.
5. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?
- A. Dark brown
- B. Bile green
- C. Bright red
- D. Cloudy white
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dark brown drainage is expected for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
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