ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
2. Which of the following best describes the method of action of medications, such as ranitidine (Zantac), which are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease?
- A. Neutralize acid
- B. Reduce acid secretions
- C. Stimulate gastrin release
- D. Protect the mucosal barrier
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Medications like ranitidine (Zantac) are H2 receptor antagonists that reduce acid secretions in the stomach, helping to treat peptic ulcer disease.
3. Which of the following dietary measures would be useful in preventing esophageal reflux?
- A. Eating small, frequent meals
- B. Increasing fluid intake
- C. Avoiding air swallowing with meals
- D. Adding a bedtime snack to the dietary plan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals helps prevent esophageal reflux.
4. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?
- A. Milk products
- B. Hard cheese
- C. Turnips
- D. Cottage cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test results. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned as items to avoid before collecting a stool specimen for occult blood.
5. A nurse teaches a preoperative client about the nasogastric tube that will be inserted in preparation for surgery. The nurse determines that the client understands when the tube will be removed in the postoperative period when the client states
- A. When my gastrointestinal system is healed enough.
- B. When I can tolerate food without vomiting.
- C. When my bowels begin to function again, and I begin to pass gas.
- D. When the doctor says so.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nasogastric tubes are discontinued when normal function returns to the gastrointestinal tract. The tube will be removed before gastrointestinal healing. Food would not be administered unless bowel function returns. Although the physician determines when the nasogastric tube will be removed, option 4 does not determine effectiveness of teaching.
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