ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?
- A. A cardiac monitor
- B. An intubation set
- C. A suction setup
- D. A tracheotomy set
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The major action of vasopressin is constriction of the splanchnic blood flow. Continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring are essential because of the constrictive effects of the medication on the coronary arteries. Options 2, 3, and 4 are not essential items required during the administration of this medication.
2. A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?
- A. Keep the client NPO for 2 days before surgery.
- B. Administer kanamycin (Kantrex) the night before surgery.
- C. Inform the client that chest tubes will be in place after surgery.
- D. Advise the client to limit activity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Antibiotics are administered preoperatively to reduce the bacterial count in the colon. The client will be placed on a low residue diet to help cleanse the bowel before surgery but typically is not placed on NPO status until 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Laxatives and enemas may also be administered. Chest tubes would not be expected postoperatively. There is no need to limit the client's activity before surgery.
3. Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?
- A. Regain weight loss within 1 month after surgery
- B. Resume normal dietary intake of three meals per day
- C. Control nausea and vomiting through regular use of antiemetics
- D. Achieve optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Achieving optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings is an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer.
4. A patient has a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Long-term medications will probably include:
- A. Antacids.
- B. Antibiotics.
- C. Corticosteroids.
- D. Histamine2-receptor blockers.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Long-term medications for a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis probably include corticosteroids.
5. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer?
- A. Abdominal CT scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Colonoscopy
- D. Fecal occult blood test
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A fecal occult blood test should be performed annually for individuals over age 50 to screen for colon cancer.
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