ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted for tube feedings. Before starting a continuous feeding, the nurse should place the client in which position?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In medical surgical nursing, it is crucial to understand the rationale behind positioning a client with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for tube feedings. The correct answer is D) High Fowler's position. Placing the client in High Fowler's position (sitting up at a 90-degree angle) helps prevent aspiration during feeding by promoting optimal digestion and reducing the risk of reflux. This position also facilitates the movement of food through the gastrointestinal tract and minimizes the risk of regurgitation. Option A) Semi-Fowler's position is not the ideal choice as it does not provide as much elevation as High Fowler's, which is necessary to reduce the risk of aspiration. Option B) Supine position is contraindicated for PEG tube feedings as it increases the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. Option C) Reverse Trendelenburg, with the head of the bed elevated and the foot of the bed lowered, is not as effective as High Fowler's in preventing aspiration and promoting optimal digestion. In an educational context, understanding the importance of positioning in tube feedings is vital for nurses caring for clients with PEG tubes. By knowing the rationale behind positioning choices, nurses can provide safe and effective care, prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia, and promote optimal outcomes for their patients undergoing enteral feedings.
Question 2 of 5
The client being seen in a physician's office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Fast for 8 hours before the test. This instruction is essential before a barium swallow to ensure optimal test results. Fasting helps to empty the stomach and intestines, allowing for better visualization of the gastrointestinal tract during the procedure. Consuming food could interfere with the test by mixing with the barium solution and affecting the imaging quality. Option B) Eat a regular supper and breakfast is incorrect because eating before the test would not provide clear imaging results due to the presence of food particles in the gastrointestinal tract. Option C) Continuing to take all oral medications as scheduled may not be advisable before a barium swallow as certain medications can interfere with the test results or the absorption of barium. Option D) Monitoring bowel movement patterns for constipation is unrelated to the preparation for a barium swallow and does not impact the test procedure. In a medical-surgical nursing context, understanding the importance of proper patient preparation for diagnostic tests is crucial for accurate results and patient safety. Educating patients on the rationale behind pre-test instructions helps them comply with the necessary guidelines for optimal healthcare outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs of dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Sweating and pallor, which indicates the early signs of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, leading to a rapid influx of fluid into the intestine. This can result in symptoms such as sweating and pallor due to the body's response to the sudden shift in fluid levels. Option A) Abdominal cramping and pain are more commonly associated with conditions like gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction rather than dumping syndrome. Option B) Bradycardia and indigestion are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome. Instead, tachycardia is more commonly seen due to the body's attempt to compensate for the rapid fluid shift. Option D) Double vision and chest pain are not specific to dumping syndrome but may be indicative of other conditions like a neurological issue or cardiac problem. In an educational context, understanding the signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome is crucial for nurses caring for patients who have undergone gastric surgeries, such as gastric bypass. Recognizing these early signs can prompt timely interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It is essential for nurses to be able to differentiate between various gastrointestinal disturbances to provide appropriate care and support to their patients effectively.
Question 4 of 5
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?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of a client who had an umbilical hernia repair, it is crucial for the nurse to include avoiding coughing in the discharge teaching plan. Coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially leading to strain on the surgical site and increasing the risk of hernia recurrence or wound dehiscence. By instructing the client to avoid coughing, the nurse aims to promote healing and prevent complications post-surgery. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: A) Restricting pain medication: Pain management is essential after surgery to ensure the client's comfort and promote mobility. Restricting pain medication can lead to inadequate pain control, hindering the client's recovery. B) Maintaining bedrest: While some rest is initially recommended after surgery, prolonged bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia, blood clots, and muscle weakness. Encouraging early mobility within the limits set by the healthcare provider is crucial for preventing such complications. D) Irrigating the drain: Typically, umbilical hernia repairs do not involve drains. Instructing the client to irrigate a non-existent drain could lead to confusion and unnecessary intervention, which is not relevant to their care in this situation. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each option helps students grasp the importance of individualized care plans based on the client's specific condition and the principles of postoperative care. It reinforces the significance of evidence-based practice in nursing interventions and highlights the role of patient education in promoting positive outcomes and preventing complications in the postoperative period.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a hospitalized client with ulcerative colitis, the nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for complications and changes in the client's condition. The correct answer is D) Rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, which can be a serious complication of ulcerative colitis requiring immediate medical intervention. This finding indicates inflammation of the peritoneum and is a surgical emergency. Option A) Bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and, although concerning, may not warrant immediate reporting to the physician unless it is severe or persistent. Option B) Hypotension could be a result of dehydration or sepsis in a client with ulcerative colitis but does not specifically indicate a complication that requires urgent reporting. Option C) A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL is within the normal range for hemoglobin levels and would not be a cause for immediate concern in this context. Educationally, understanding the significance of rebound tenderness in a client with ulcerative colitis highlights the importance of thorough assessment skills and the need for timely reporting of critical findings to prevent potential complications. This scenario reinforces the critical role of the nurse in early detection and prompt intervention in managing complex gastrointestinal conditions.