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. A client is admitted to the hospital with acute viral hepatitis. Which of the following signs or symptoms would the nurse expect to note based on this diagnosis?
- A. Spider angiomas
- B. Fatigue
- C. Pale urine
- D. Weight gain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Common signs of acute viral hepatitis include weight loss, dark urine, and fatigue. The client is anorexic, possibly from a toxin produced by the diseased liver, and finds food distasteful. The urine darkens because of excess bilirubin being excreted by the kidneys. Fatigue occurs during all phases of hepatitis.
3. A client with viral hepatitis states, 'I am so yellow.' The nurse most appropriately would
- A. Assist the client in expressing feelings.
- B. Do most of the activities of daily living for the client.
- C. Provide information to the client only when the client requests it.
- D. Restrict visitors until the jaundice subsides.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To assist the client in adapting to changes in appearance, the nurse must encourage participation in self-care to foster independence and self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to ask questions to clarify misconceptions, learn ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis to reduce fear, and make appropriate decisions. Restricting visitors will reinforce the client’s negative self-esteem.
4. A client presents to the emergency room, reporting that he has been vomiting every 30 to 40 minutes for the past 8 hours. Frequent vomiting puts him at risk for which of the following?
- A. Metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia
- B. Metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia
- C. Metabolic alkalosis with hyperkalemia
- D. Metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Frequent vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia due to the loss of stomach acid and electrolytes.
5. A client with peptic ulcer disease tells the nurse that he has black stools, which he has not reported to his physician. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be appropriate for this client?
- A. Ineffective coping related to fear of diagnosis of chronic illness
- B. Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms
- C. Constipation related to decreased gastric motility
- D. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements due to gastric bleeding
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Deficient knowledge related to unfamiliarity with significant signs and symptoms is appropriate because the client did not report the black stools, which can be a sign of bleeding.
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