ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This leads to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Choices A and B (Chief cells and Parietal cells of the stomach) are not directly related to GERD, as they are involved in gastric acid secretion. Choice D (Upper esophageal sphincter) is responsible for preventing air from entering the esophagus during breathing and is not typically implicated in GERD.
Question 2 of 5
The client with cirrhosis has ascites and excess fluid volume. Which measure will the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the amount of fluids consumed. In cirrhosis with ascites and excess fluid volume, limiting fluid intake helps reduce fluid overload and prevent further accumulation of fluid in the body. Excess fluid can worsen ascites, leading to complications like respiratory distress and electrolyte imbalances. Increasing sodium intake (A) would worsen fluid retention. Encouraging ambulation (C) is important but not directly related to managing ascites. Administering magnesium antacids (D) is not necessary for addressing fluid volume excess.
Question 3 of 5
The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: This is a normal, expected event. After colostomy creation, it is common for clients to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma as the intestines begin to function. This is due to the presence of normal intestinal flora. Choice A is incorrect as preoperative bowel preparation does not directly relate to malodorous flatus post-colostomy. Choice C is incorrect as ischemic bowel presents with more serious symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as nasogastric tube removal is not related to passing flatus from the stoma.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because emotional support from the family is crucial for the client's rehabilitation. Emotional support can positively impact the client's mental health, motivation, and adherence to treatment plans. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in chronic illnesses like ulcerative colitis. Options A and D focus on practical aspects and understanding of the illness, which are important but not as impactful as emotional support. Option B addresses the client's responsibilities, which, while important, may not have as direct an impact on rehabilitation as emotional support.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?" This question is specific to acute pancreatitis as the pain typically radiates from the epigastric area to the back. Pancreatitis pain often presents as severe, constant, and radiating to the back due to the inflammation of the pancreas affecting surrounding structures. Choice A is incorrect as the pain in acute pancreatitis typically radiates to the back, not the groin. Choice C is incorrect as it specifies a different area in the abdomen, not the typical location for pancreatitis pain. Choice D is incorrect as pancreatitis pain does not typically radiate to the hip. In summary, understanding the characteristic radiation of pain in acute pancreatitis is key to assessing and differentiating it from other abdominal conditions.