ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Which of the following activities should the nurse encourage the client with a peptic ulcer to avoid?
- A. Chewing gum.
- B. Smoking cigarettes.
- C. Eating chocolate.
- D. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cigarette smoking should be avoided because of its stimulatory effect on gastric secretions. Nicotine also increases the release of epinephrine, which leads to vasoconstriction. The client may chew gum if desired. The client may eat chocolate if desired. A client with a peptic ulcer should check with the physician before taking any over-the-counter drug, but acetaminophen does not typically cause gastric irritation.
2. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
- B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
- C. Quickly insert the tube.
- D. Notify the physician immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.
3. An enema is prescribed for a client with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Prepare 750 ml of irrigating solution warmed to 100*F
- B. Question the physician about the order
- C. Provide privacy and explain the procedure to the client
- D. Assist the client to left lateral Sim’s position
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An enema is contraindicated in clients with suspected appendicitis because it can increase the risk of perforation. It is important to verify the appropriateness of this order with the physician.
4. Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in which location of the GI tract?
- A. Upper colon.
- B. Lower colon.
- C. Upper GI tract.
- D. Small intestine.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract.
5. If a client had irritable bowel syndrome, which of the following diagnostic tests would determine if the diagnosis is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
- A. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Colonoscopy with biopsy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A colonoscopy with biopsy is the most definitive diagnostic test to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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