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. 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.
3. A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Notify the physician.
- B. Change the dressing.
- C. Circle the amount on the dressing with a pen.
- D. Continue to monitor the drainage.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Serosanguineous drainage with a small amount of bile is expected from the Penrose drain for the first 24 hours. Drainage then decreases, and the drain is removed usually within 48 hours. The nurse does not need to notify the physician. A sterile dressing covers the site and should be changed to prevent infection and skin excoriation.
4. You’re caring for Jane, a 57 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Before her paracentesis, you instruct her to:
- A. Empty her bladder.
- B. Lie supine in bed.
- C. Remain NPO for 4 hours.
- D. Clean her bowels with an enema.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Before paracentesis, instruct the patient to empty her bladder to avoid bladder injury during the procedure.
5. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
- A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
- C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.
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