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 with gastric cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Abdominal cramping
- B. Constant hunger
- C. Feeling of fullness
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Clients with gastric cancer may experience a feeling of fullness due to the presence of the tumor.
3. You promote hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding by:
- A. Encouraging oral fluid intake.
- B. Monitoring central venous pressure.
- C. Monitoring laboratory test results and vital signs.
- D. Giving blood, electrolyte and fluid replacement.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Promoting hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding involves giving blood, electrolyte, and fluid replacement.
4. Which of the following tests can be performed to diagnose a hiatal hernia?
- A. Colonoscopy
- B. Lower GI series
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Abdominal x-rays
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A barium swallow is a diagnostic test that can visualize the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine to diagnose a hiatal hernia.
5. The hospitalized client with GERD is complaining of chest discomfort that feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid, the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?
- A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
- B. On the stomach with the head flat
- C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
- D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lying on the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees helps prevent reflux by keeping stomach contents from moving up into the esophagus.
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