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. What should the nurse include in patient education for a patient starting on bupropion for major depressive disorder?
- A. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. Take the medication in the morning to prevent insomnia.
- C. It may cause significant weight gain.
- D. It is used as a first-line treatment for anxiety.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients prescribed bupropion should be educated to avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication to reduce the risk of seizures. Bupropion lowers the seizure threshold, and alcohol can further increase this risk. It is important for patients to understand the potential consequences of combining bupropion with alcohol to ensure their safety and treatment effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Taking bupropion in the morning does not prevent insomnia; it is not associated with significant weight gain; and it is not a first-line treatment for anxiety.
3. Nurse Lisa is assessing a client who has just completed radiation therapy to the neck area. Which of the following findings is most concerning?
- A. Erythema in the treated area
- B. Difficulty swallowing
- C. Dry, peeling skin
- D. Hoarseness
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) following radiation therapy to the neck area is a significant concern because it can indicate serious complications such as esophageal stricture, inflammation, or damage to the surrounding tissues, including the esophagus. This can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration, all of which require prompt intervention. Radiation therapy can cause irritation and scarring in the esophageal and throat tissues, which may progressively worsen if not treated. Therefore, dysphagia should be addressed immediately to prevent further complications.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
- A. Assess the client's dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
- B. Assess the client's neuromuscular status.
- C. Assess the client's fluid intake and output.
- D. Read food labels to determine sodium content.
Correct answer: Read food labels to determine sodium content.
Rationale: The correct answer is to read food labels to determine sodium content. The client's sodium level is crucial to monitor as it is on the higher side (144 mEq/L), which can indicate hypernatremia. Excessive sodium intake can lead to fluid retention and other complications. Assessing dietary sodium intake can help the nurse and client make necessary adjustments to prevent further sodium imbalances. Choices A, B, and C are not the priority in this situation as the client's sodium level needs immediate attention to prevent potential complications.
5. The type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion is:
- A. Very low-density lipoprotein
- B. Intermediate-density lipoprotein
- C. Low-density lipoprotein
- D. High-density lipoprotein
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is known as the 'good' cholesterol and plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol from tissues back to the liver for excretion. This process helps in reducing the buildup of cholesterol in the bloodstream, thus lowering the risk of heart diseases. Very low-density lipoprotein (Option A), Intermediate-density lipoprotein (Option B), and Low-density lipoprotein (Option C) are not responsible for carrying cholesterol back to the liver for excretion like HDL does. Instead, they are associated with different functions related to cholesterol transportation within the body.
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