ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with ulcerative colitis is diagnosed with a mild case of the disease. The nurse doing dietary teaching gives the client examples of foods to eat that represent which of the following therapeutic diets?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low-roughage without milk. In mild cases of ulcerative colitis, a low-roughage diet is recommended to reduce irritation to the colon. Roughage can exacerbate symptoms. Avoiding milk is also common as lactose intolerance may develop. High-fat (A) and high-protein (B) diets can be difficult to digest and may worsen symptoms. Low-roughage with milk (D) is incorrect as milk can irritate the colon in some individuals with ulcerative colitis.
Question 2 of 5
A client who has had gastrectomy is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor. The nurse interprets that the client has lost the ability to absorb cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Small intestine. After a gastrectomy, where the stomach is removed or bypassed, intrinsic factor production is reduced, impacting the absorption of vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor is necessary for the absorption of B12 in the small intestine, specifically in the ileum. If vitamin B12 is not absorbed in the small intestine, it can lead to pernicious anemia. Therefore, the small intestine is crucial for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the absence of intrinsic factor. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the stomach, large intestine, and colon do not play a significant role in the absorption of vitamin B12.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client's nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pouring the 40 mL of gastric aspirate back into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed ensures the undigested formula is returned to the stomach for digestion. This method maintains the balance of electrolytes and nutrients and prevents potential complications. Choice A is incorrect because discarding the aspirate without returning it to the stomach can lead to electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Choice C is incorrect because mixing the aspirate with formula before administering it can cause inaccurate dosing and potential nutrient interactions. Choice D is incorrect because diluting the aspirate with water and forcibly injecting it back into the stomach can cause discomfort and potential complications for the client.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to remove a nasogastric tube from a client. The nurse would instruct the client to do which of the following just before the nurse removes the tube?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To take hold and hold a deep breath. This is because holding a deep breath helps prevent the aspiration of gastric contents when removing the nasogastric tube. By taking a deep breath and holding it, the client creates positive pressure in the lungs, which can help prevent the contents from entering the airway. Rationale for other choices: A: Performing Valsalva's maneuver (straining while holding breath) can increase intra-abdominal pressure and potentially push gastric contents upward, increasing the risk of aspiration. C: Exhaling does not provide the same protection against aspiration as holding a deep breath. D: Inhaling and exhaling quickly does not create the same protective mechanism as holding a deep breath.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is planning to teach the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease about substances that will increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Which of the following items would the nurse include on this list?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nonfat milk. Nonfat milk is alkaline and can help increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure, reducing reflux symptoms. Fatty foods (A) can relax the sphincter and worsen symptoms. Chocolate (C) and coffee (D) are known triggers for reflux and can also decrease sphincter pressure. Therefore, the nurse would include nonfat milk in the teaching to help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.