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 patient with chronic alcohol abuse is admitted with liver failure. You closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure because of which change that is associated with the liver failure?
- A. Hypoalbuminemia
- B. Increased capillary permeability
- C. Abnormal peripheral vasodilation
- D. Excess rennin release from the kidneys
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Abnormal peripheral vasodilation is a change associated with liver failure that requires close monitoring of the patient's blood pressure.
3. The client with chronic pancreatitis needs information on dietary modification to manage the health problem. The nurse teaches the client to limit which of the following items in the diet?
- A. Carbohydrate
- B. Protein
- C. Fat
- D. Water-soluble vitamins
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should limit fat in the diet. The client also should take in small meals, which also will reduce the amount of carbohydrates and protein that the client must digest at any one time. The client does not need to limit water-soluble vitamins in the diet.
4. Which of the following definitions best describes diverticulosis?
- A. An inflamed outpouching of the intestine
- B. A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine
- C. The partial impairment of the forward flow of intestinal contents
- D. An abnormal protrusion of an organ through the structure that usually holds it
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'A noninflamed outpouching of the intestine.' Diverticulosis refers to the presence of small, bulging pouches (diverticula) that can form in the lining of the digestive system, especially the colon. These pouches are typically noninflamed. Choice A is incorrect because it describes diverticulitis, which is the inflammation of these pouches. Choice C is incorrect as it defines bowel obstruction, not diverticulosis. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a hernia, not diverticulosis.
5. After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?
- A. Dark brown
- B. Bile green
- C. Bright red
- D. Cloudy white
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dark brown drainage is expected for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery.
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