ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?
- A. Bedrest
- B. Encourage ambulation
- C. Out of bed in a chair
- D. No activity restrictions
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue is a normal response to hepatic cellular damage. During the acute stage, rest is an essential intervention to reduce the metabolic demands on the liver and its blood supply.
3. A client with rectal cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Abdominal fullness
- B. Gastric fullness
- C. Rectal bleeding
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom in clients with rectal cancer.
4. A client has just had surgery for colon cancer. Which of the following disorders might the client develop?
- A. Peritonitis
- B. Diverticulosis
- C. Partial bowel obstruction
- D. Complete bowel obstruction
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After surgery for colon cancer, the client may develop a partial bowel obstruction.
5. Sitty, a 66 y.o. patient underwent a colostomy for ruptured diverticulum. She did well during the surgery and returned to your med-surg floor in stable condition. You assess her colostomy 2 days after surgery. Which finding do you report to the doctor?
- A. Blanched stoma
- B. Edematous stoma
- C. Reddish-pink stoma
- D. Brownish-black stoma
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A blanched stoma 2 days after colostomy surgery should be reported to the doctor as it may indicate compromised blood flow.
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