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. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Serum calcium level
- B. Platelet count
- C. INR
- D. WBC count
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client's INR to determine the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. INR monitoring is crucial as it reflects the blood's ability to clot properly. Warfarin is commonly used as an anticoagulant, and maintaining the INR within the therapeutic range ensures that the client is protected from both clotting and bleeding events. Monitoring serum calcium levels, platelet count, or WBC count is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.
3. What is the primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours?
- A. To improve circulation and relieve pressure.
- B. To prevent contractures and muscle atrophy.
- C. To prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers.
- D. To improve respiratory function and prevent pneumonia.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours is to prevent skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. Prolonged immobility can lead to pressure ulcers, making this a crucial nursing intervention. Choice A is incorrect because while turning can help improve circulation and relieve pressure, the primary purpose is to prevent skin breakdown. Choice B is incorrect as preventing contractures and muscle atrophy is important but not the primary purpose of turning. Choice D is incorrect as improving respiratory function and preventing pneumonia are not directly related to turning and repositioning for skin integrity.
4. A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of older adult clients. Which risk factor should the nurse identify as placing older adults at an increased risk for infections?
- A. Improved nutritional status
- B. Increased mobility
- C. Chronic conditions
- D. Lowered immune function
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Lowered immune function. Older adults often experience a decline in immune function as they age, making them more vulnerable to infections. This weakened immune system can result in increased susceptibility to various pathogens. Choice A, 'Improved nutritional status,' is incorrect because good nutrition can actually help support the immune system. Choice B, 'Increased mobility,' is not directly related to an increased risk of infections. Choice C, 'Chronic conditions,' while they can contribute to a weakened immune system, do not directly address the primary risk factor for infections in older adults.
5. Sucrose is a:
- A. monosaccharide
- B. disaccharide
- C. polysaccharide
- D. starch
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Sucrose is a disaccharide composed of one glucose and one fructose molecule.
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