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 healthcare professional is administering a Dopamine infusion at a low dose to a client with severe heart failure. Which of the following findings is an expected effect of this medication?
- A. Lowered heart rate
- B. Increased myocardial contractility
- C. Decreased conduction through the AV node
- D. Vasoconstriction of renal blood vessels
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dopamine, when administered at a low dose, is expected to increase myocardial contractility by stimulating beta1 receptors. This positive inotropic effect leads to an increase in cardiac output. Therefore, the correct answer is increased myocardial contractility, as it is a desired effect of administering dopamine to a client with severe heart failure.
3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a group of clients. The nurse should recommend a referral to a dietitian for which of the following clients?
- A. A client who has a prescription for warfarin and states, 'I will need to limit how much spinach I eat.'
- B. A client who has gout and states, 'I can continue to eat anchovies on my pizza.'
- C. A client who has a prescription for spironolactone and states, 'I will reduce my intake of foods that contain potassium.'
- D. A client who has osteoporosis and states, 'I'll plan to take my calcium carbonate with a full glass of water.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A client with gout who plans to continue consuming anchovies should be referred to a dietitian for proper dietary education. Anchovies are high in purines, which can exacerbate gout symptoms. Choices A, C, and D do not require immediate dietitian referral as the statements made by these clients are appropriate actions regarding their prescribed medications (warfarin and spinach intake, spironolactone and potassium intake, and calcium carbonate and water intake, respectively).
4. What is the best intervention to reduce the risk of falling in the hospital room for a blind client being cared for?
- A. Tell the client’s family that they will be expected to stay overnight
- B. Apply restraints to the client
- C. Shout to the client
- D. Orient the client to the location of objects in the room
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The best intervention to reduce the risk of falling in the hospital room for a blind client is to orient the client to the location of objects in the room. This helps the client navigate safely and independently. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because telling the client's family to stay overnight, applying restraints, and shouting are not appropriate interventions for preventing falls in a blind client; in fact, they could potentially lead to increased anxiety and risk of falls.
5. When caring for a patient with hypokalemia, what should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Monitor for muscle weakness
- B. Check for cardiac dysrhythmias
- C. Monitor for bradycardia
- D. Monitor for seizures
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Answer: Muscle weakness is a common sign of hypokalemia. The nurse should monitor for muscle weakness as potassium plays a crucial role in muscle function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because although hypokalemia can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias, bradycardia, and even seizures in severe cases, muscle weakness is a more common and specific sign directly related to potassium levels.
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