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. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.†Which response is most therapeutic?
- A. I know just how you feel.
- B. You seem upset.
- C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
- D. Why do you think you have cancer?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.
3. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restricting pain medication
- B. Maintaining bedrest
- C. Avoiding coughing
- D. Irrigating the drain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.
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. When teaching a community group about measures to prevent colon cancer, which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Limit fat intake to 20% to 25% of your total daily calories.
- B. Include 15 to 20 grams of fiber into your daily diet.
- C. Get an annual rectal examination after age 35.
- D. Undergo sigmoidoscopy annually after age 50.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Limiting fat intake is a recommended measure to reduce the risk of colon cancer. Including fiber, undergoing annual rectal examinations, and sigmoidoscopy are also important, but limiting fat intake is directly related to reducing cancer risk.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access