ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vitamin B12 injections. Pernicious anemia results from a lack of intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines. Therefore, the client with this disorder will need vitamin B12 injections to bypass the need for intrinsic factor. Choice B (Vitamin B6 injections) is incorrect because pernicious anemia specifically involves a deficiency in vitamin B12, not B6. Choice C (An antibiotic) is incorrect as antibiotics are not indicated for pernicious anemia. Choice D (An antacid) is also incorrect as it does not address the underlying issue of vitamin B12 deficiency caused by the lack of intrinsic factor.
Question 2 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 3 of 5
A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides. This action allows for the nurse to relieve the pressure on the airway caused by the nasogastric tube, potentially alleviating the client's difficulty in breathing. It is important to prioritize the client's respiratory status and ensure they can breathe comfortably before proceeding with the procedure. A: Removing the tube may worsen the respiratory distress and delay appropriate intervention. C: Quickly inserting the tube can further compromise the client's breathing and cause more distress. D: While notifying the physician is important, immediate intervention to address the breathing difficulty is crucial before seeking further assistance.
Question 4 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 5 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.