ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instructions?
- A. Lie down after meals to promote digestion.
- B. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
- C. Take antacids before meals.
- D. Limit fluids with meals.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that tend to increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to avoid lying down after meals, which can aggravate reflux, and to take antacids after eating. The client doesn't need to limit fluids with meals as long as the fluids aren't gastric irritants.
2. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
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. The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy. The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
- A. Notify the physician
- B. Document the findings
- C. Irrigate the T-tube
- D. Clamp the T-tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action as 750ml of green-brown drainage is expected after a cholecystectomy.
5. A client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would indicate the development of a potential complication?
- A. The client complains of a sore throat
- B. The client displays signs of sedation
- C. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature
- D. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in temperature after an endoscopy can indicate a potential complication, such as perforation.
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