ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
2. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
- A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
- B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
- C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
- D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.
3. Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which substance increases?
- A. Ammonia
- B. Amylase
- C. Calcium
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of ammonia increases.
4. The client with a duodenal ulcer may exhibit which of the following findings on assessment?
- A. Hematemesis
- B. Malnourishment
- C. Melena
- D. Pain with eating
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Melena (black, tarry stools) can be an indication of a duodenal ulcer.
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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