ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of medical surgical nursing, understanding the correct administration of medications is crucial for client care. The correct answer, option D, "It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals," is the most appropriate because antacids work by neutralizing gastric acid, thereby providing relief from symptoms of peptic ulcers. Taking antacids after meals ensures that there is food in the stomach to buffer the acid, maximizing the effectiveness of the medication. Option A is incorrect because antacids should not be taken simultaneously with other medications to avoid potential drug interactions. Option B is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is necessary to help the antacid dissolve and be effective. Option C is incorrect as antacids are preventive rather than reactive medications; they should be taken as a regular part of the treatment regimen, not just when symptoms occur. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of proper medication administration in the management of gastrointestinal disorders. Nurses must educate clients on the correct timing and administration of antacids to optimize their therapeutic effects and promote positive outcomes in the management of peptic ulcers.
Question 2 of 5
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: In the context of a client with acute gastritis, the nurse would question the presence of Indomethacin (Indocin) on the medication record. Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can exacerbate gastritis by irritating the gastric mucosa and increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. The other options are less likely to be questioned in this scenario: A) Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a cardiac medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, not directly related to gastritis. C) Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic used to treat fluid retention and hypertension, not typically contraindicated in gastritis. D) Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderal) is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and cardiac conditions, which does not directly impact gastritis. Understanding the contraindications and potential adverse effects of medications in relation to specific health conditions like gastritis is crucial in nursing practice to ensure safe and effective care for clients. This question highlights the importance of medication knowledge and its application in the context of gastrointestinal health.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy. The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate nursing intervention is to select option B: Document the findings. This is the correct choice because documenting the drainage amount, color, and characteristics is crucial for the ongoing assessment of the client's post-operative condition. Notifying the physician (option A) may be necessary if there are significant changes in the client's condition or if the drainage is excessive, but it is not the most immediate action to take in this situation. Irrigating the T-tube (option C) or clamping the T-tube (option D) without a physician's order can be harmful and should only be done under specific circumstances and with proper authorization. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind documenting findings post-operatively is essential for nursing students. It emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely documentation in providing continuity of care, ensuring appropriate interventions, and facilitating communication among healthcare team members. It also highlights the significance of following proper protocols and seeking guidance from healthcare providers before implementing any interventions.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates the best understanding of the medication therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is option A) "The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid." This statement indicates the best understanding of the medication therapy for peptic ulcer disease. Cimetidine is a histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonist that works by decreasing stomach acid production, which helps in healing and preventing ulcers. Option B) "Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach" is incorrect because sucralfate works by forming a protective barrier over ulcers, rather than changing the fluid in the stomach. Option C) "Antacids will coat my stomach" is incorrect as antacids neutralize stomach acid but do not provide a protective coating for ulcers like sucralfate. Option D) "Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal" is incorrect because omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production but does not directly coat the ulcer. Understanding the mechanism of action of each medication is crucial in providing appropriate treatment for peptic ulcer disease. Educating patients on how their medications work empowers them to participate actively in their treatment plan and promotes better adherence and outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
The client with peptic ulcer disease is scheduled for a pyloroplasty. The client asks the nurse about the procedure. The nurse plans to respond knowing that a pyloroplasty involves:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) An incision and resuturing of the pylorus to relax the muscle and enlarge the opening from the stomach to the duodenum. A pyloroplasty is a surgical procedure performed to treat conditions like peptic ulcer disease by widening the opening between the stomach and the small intestine to improve gastric emptying. This procedure helps to alleviate symptoms such as gastric outlet obstruction and allows for better passage of food from the stomach to the intestines. Option A) Cutting the vagus nerve is incorrect because a pyloroplasty does not involve this nerve; the vagus nerve plays a role in regulating various functions in the gastrointestinal system. Option B) Removing the distal portion of the stomach is incorrect as this describes a different surgical procedure, such as a partial gastrectomy, which involves removing a portion of the stomach, not the pylorus. Option C) Removal of the ulcer and a large portion of the cells that produce hydrochloric acid is incorrect as it describes a different surgical intervention for peptic ulcer disease, such as a gastrectomy or ulcer removal, not specifically addressing the pylorus. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind surgical procedures like pyloroplasty is crucial for nurses caring for patients undergoing these interventions. It ensures accurate patient education and effective post-operative care to promote optimal outcomes and enhance patient understanding and compliance with treatment plans.