ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with hepatitis B. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient, would indicate the need for further instruction?
- A. I can never donate blood.
- B. I can never have unprotected sex.
- C. I cannot share needles.
- D. I should avoid drugs and alcohol.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. This patient statement indicates a need for further teaching. The patient should be instructed that, in order to avoid complications, alcohol should be avoided for six months to one year. Illicit drugs and toxic chemicals should also be avoided. Acetaminophen may be taken only when necessary and not beyond the recommended dosage. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and do not indicate a need for further instruction.
2. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.
3. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?
- A. Fast for 8 hours before the test
- B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast
- C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
- D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fasting for 8 hours ensures that the stomach is empty, which is necessary for an accurate barium swallow test.
4. Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with esophageal varices?
- A. Recognizing hemorrhage
- B. Controlling blood pressure
- C. Encouraging nutritional intake
- D. Teaching the client about varices
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary focus for a client with esophageal varices is recognizing hemorrhage because these varices can rupture and cause significant bleeding.
5. 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.
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