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 definitions best describes gastritis?
- A. Erosion of the gastric mucosa
- B. Inflammation of a diverticulum
- C. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa
- D. Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Inflammation of the gastric mucosa.' Gastritis is characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, specifically the gastric mucosa. This inflammation can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, alcohol, or autoimmune diseases. Choice A, 'Erosion of the gastric mucosa,' is incorrect because erosion refers to the wearing away of tissue rather than inflammation. Choice B, 'Inflammation of a diverticulum,' is incorrect because gastritis specifically involves inflammation of the stomach lining, not a diverticulum. Choice D, 'Reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus,' describes gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is different from gastritis.
3. The nurse is caring for a client on the first postoperative day following a surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which nursing diagnosis is the most important for this client?
- A. Risk for infection
- B. Deficient knowledge
- C. Ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion
- D. Activity intolerance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Peripheral tissue perfusion is a major concern in the postoperative period following an abdominal aneurysm repair. Peripheral pulses should be checked frequently during the first 24 hours. A weak or absent pulse may be a sign of embolization or graft closure, especially if accompanied by a pale, cold, mottled extremity; the nurse should immediately report this to the surgeon. Risk for infection, deficient knowledge, and activity intolerance are all important nursing diagnoses in the postoperative period, but peripheral tissue perfusion is the most immediate concern.
4. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
- B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
- C. Quickly insert the tube.
- D. Notify the physician immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.
5. Which of the following expected outcomes would be most appropriate for a client with peptic ulcer disease? The client will:
- A. verbalize absence of epigastric pain.
- B. accept the need to inject himself with vitamin B12 for the rest of his life.
- C. understand the need to increase his exercise activity.
- D. eliminate stress from his life.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A realistic goal for this client would be to gain relief from epigastric pain. There is no need for vitamin B12 injections because this client has not had any gastric surgery that would lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Exercise should be modified, not increased, because it can stimulate further production of gastric acid. It is not possible to eliminate stress from a client's life. Instead, the client should be assisted to develop effective coping and problem-solving strategies as necessary.
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