ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, 'I'm not sure I can avoid alcohol.' The most appropriate response is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows active listening and empathy towards the client's concerns. By asking the client to explain, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the client's perspective and provide tailored support and information. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's concerns. Choice B is incorrect as it deflects responsibility from the nurse. Choice C is incorrect as it shows disbelief and lacks empathy.
Question 2 of 5
A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes cause inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain that is typically constant and not relieved by vomiting. Vomiting may even worsen the pain. Other choices are incorrect because severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is not relieved by vomiting (A), hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis (C), and epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a specific hallmark sign (D).
Question 3 of 5
A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hematocrit. Hematocrit reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and can indicate hydration status. When a person is dehydrated, their blood becomes more concentrated, leading to an increase in hematocrit levels. In this case, severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea can cause dehydration, making hematocrit the best indicator of hydration status. Explanation for other choices: A: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and not directly related to hydration status. B: White blood cell count is an indicator of infection or inflammation, not hydration status. D: Serum glucose levels are related to blood sugar regulation, not hydration status.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with hepatitis B. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient, would indicate the need for further instruction?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): The patient should avoid drugs and alcohol to prevent further damage to the liver affected by hepatitis B. Substance abuse can exacerbate liver disease. This statement indicates understanding of the importance of liver health. Summary of Other Choices: A: This statement is correct because individuals with hepatitis B should not donate blood to prevent transmission. B: This statement is correct because unprotected sex can transmit hepatitis B to sexual partners. C: This statement is correct because sharing needles can spread hepatitis B through blood-to-blood contact.
Question 5 of 5
Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision. This measure helps support the incision site, reducing pain during coughing and deep breathing. Splinting the incision promotes effective coughing and deep breathing post-surgery, aiding in lung expansion and preventing complications like atelectasis. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain is incorrect as it can lead to inadequate lung expansion and retention of secretions. B: Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing is incorrect as it does not directly support the incision site and may not be as effective in reducing pain. D: Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions is incorrect as pain management is crucial post-surgery for comfort and optimal recovery.