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 of the following nursing interventions should be implemented to manage a client with appendicitis?
- A. Assessing for pain
- B. Encouraging oral intake of clear fluids
- C. Providing discharge teaching
- D. Assessing for symptoms of peritonitis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assessing for symptoms of peritonitis. This intervention is crucial in managing a client with appendicitis because it indicates a possible rupture of the inflamed appendix. Symptoms of peritonitis include severe abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal rigidity. Prompt recognition of these symptoms is essential for timely intervention and surgical management. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while assessing for pain is important, assessing for symptoms of peritonitis takes precedence due to the critical nature of appendicitis. Encouraging oral intake of clear fluids and providing discharge teaching are not immediate priorities in the management of a client with acute appendicitis.
3. 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.
4. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented in the client’s record?
- A. Chronic constipation
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Crohn’s disease is characterized by nonbloody diarrhea of usually not more than four to five stools daily. Over time, the diarrhea episodes increase in frequency, duration, and severity. Chronic constipation (Choice A), constipation alternating with diarrhea (Choice C), and stool constantly oozing from the rectum (Choice D) are not characteristics typically associated with Crohn’s disease.
5. Your patient with peritonitis is NPO and complaining of thirst. What is your priority?
- A. Increase the I.V. infusion rate.
- B. Use diversion activities.
- C. Provide frequent mouth care.
- D. Give ice chips every 15 minutes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Providing frequent mouth care is the priority for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and complaining of thirst.
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