ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 9
A client is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood and is diagnosed with a bleeding duodenal ulcer. The client develops a sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen. These clinical manifestations most likely indicate which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates that the ulcer has perforated.
Question 2 of 9
To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.
Question 3 of 9
Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Achieving optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings is an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer.
Question 4 of 9
A client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy reduces the stimulus to acid secretions by cutting the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach.
Question 5 of 9
The client is admitted to the hospital for treatment of acute hepatitis B. Which activity order would the nurse expect to be prescribed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fatigue is a normal response to hepatic cellular damage. During the acute stage, rest is an essential intervention to reduce the metabolic demands on the liver and its blood supply.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client with acute gastritis. Which medication if noted on the client's record, would the nurse question?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Indomethacin (Indocin) is a Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and can cause ulceration of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or small intestine. Indomethacin is contraindicated in a client with gastrointestinal disorders. Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic. Digoxin is an antidysrhythmic. Propranolol (Inderal) is a B- adrenergic blocker. Furosemide, digoxin, and propranolol are not contraindicated in clients with gastric disorders.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To prevent dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy, it is recommended to limit fluids taken with meals to slow down gastric emptying and reduce the symptoms.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is evaluating the plan of care for a client with peptic ulcer disease with a nursing diagnosis of Acute Pain. The nurse would determine that the client has not met the expected outcomes if the client states
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Expected outcomes for the client with peptic ulcer disease experiencing pain include elimination of irritating foods from the diet, ability to take prescribed medications that will reduce pain, reporting that the pain is relieved or prevented with medication, and an ability to sleep through the night without pain. The client who continues to be awakened by pain requires further modification of medication therapy, which may include adjustment of timing of histamine H2 receptor antagonist or an additional dose of antacid before the time when pain awakens the client.
Question 9 of 9
The client has orders for a nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. During the procedure, instructions that will assist in the insertion would be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion helps facilitate the NG tube insertion.