ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Which of the following nursing interventions should have the highest priority during the first hour after the admission of a client with cholecystitis who is experiencing pain, nausea, and vomiting?
- A. Administering pain medication.
- B. Completing the admission history.
- C. Maintaining hydration.
- D. Teaching about planned diagnostic tests.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication would have the highest priority during the first hour after the client's admission. Pain relief is essential to address the client's immediate discomfort and distress. Completing the admission history, maintaining hydration, and teaching about planned diagnostic tests are important aspects of care but can be addressed after addressing the client's pain and stabilizing their condition.
2. Which of the following mechanisms can facilitate the development of diverticulosis into diverticulitis?
- A. Treating constipation with chronic laxative use, leading to dependence on laxatives
- B. Chronic constipation causing an obstruction, reducing forward flow of intestinal contents
- C. Herniation of the intestinal mucosa, rupturing the wall of the intestine
- D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum, predisposing the area to bacterial invasion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum can lead to bacterial invasion, causing inflammation and turning diverticulosis into diverticulitis. Choices A, B, and C do not directly facilitate the development of diverticulitis. Choice A involves a different mechanism related to laxative use, choice B describes a complication of chronic constipation but does not necessarily lead to diverticulitis, and choice C refers to a different condition involving herniation of the intestinal mucosa.
3. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented in the client’s record?
- A. Chronic constipation
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Crohn’s disease is characterized by nonbloody diarrhea of usually not more than four to five stools daily. Over time, the diarrhea episodes increase in frequency, duration, and severity. Chronic constipation (Choice A), constipation alternating with diarrhea (Choice C), and stool constantly oozing from the rectum (Choice D) are not characteristics typically associated with Crohn’s disease.
4. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stools less watery?
- A. Pasta
- B. Boiled rice
- C. Bran
- D. Low-fat cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bran is high in fiber and should not be consumed to thicken the stool as it will make the stools more watery.
5. Findings during an endoscopic exam include a cobblestone appearance of the colon in your patient. The findings are characteristic of which disorder?
- A. Ulcer
- B. Crohn’s disease
- C. Chronic gastritis
- D. Ulcerative colitis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The cobblestone appearance of the colon is characteristic of Crohn’s disease.
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