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 has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.
3. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?
- A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
- B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
- C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
- D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
4. The client has just had surgery to create an ileostomy. The nurse assesses the client in the immediate post-op period for which of the following most frequent complications of this type of surgery?
- A. Intestinal obstruction
- B. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
- C. Malabsorption of fat
- D. Folate deficiency
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Fluid and electrolyte imbalance is a common complication following ileostomy surgery due to the loss of large volumes of fluid and electrolytes through the stoma. Monitoring and replacing fluids and electrolytes is essential.
5. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of
- A. Dehydration
- B. Malnutrition
- C. Bleeding
- D. Infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.
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