ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (300 units/L) because in chronic pancreatitis, there is ongoing inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to elevated serum amylase levels. A level of 300 units/L is indicative of pancreatitis. Choices A and B are too low for chronic pancreatitis, and choice D is too high and would typically be seen in acute pancreatitis.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents. This technique is used first because it directly confirms the tube's placement by withdrawing gastric contents. If the tube is in the stomach, gastric contents will be aspirated. Choice B is incorrect because irrigating with normal saline does not confirm the tube placement in the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles is not an accurate method to confirm stomach placement. Choice D is incorrect because instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area may not provide definitive confirmation of tube placement in the stomach.
Question 3 of 5
Vasopressin (Pitressin) therapy is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of bleeding esophageal varices. The nurse is preparing to administer the medication to the client. Which of the following essential items is needed during the administration of this medication?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: A cardiac monitor. Vasopressin is a vasoconstrictor medication used to decrease blood flow to the bleeding esophageal varices. It can cause significant changes in blood pressure and heart rate, hence requiring close monitoring of the client's cardiac status. A cardiac monitor is essential to continuously monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm during vasopressin therapy. B: An intubation set is not necessary for administering vasopressin to a client with bleeding esophageal varices. C: A suction setup is not directly related to the administration of vasopressin for bleeding esophageal varices. D: A tracheotomy set is not required for the administration of vasopressin for bleeding esophageal varices.
Question 4 of 5
When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook. This is because having a positive mindset can help the client cope better with the challenges of extended convalescence. It can improve overall well-being, mental health, and motivation for recovery. A: Controlling abdominal pain - While abdominal pain may be a symptom of hepatitis A, it is not the most crucial aspect for extended convalescence. B: Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern - While important for overall health, this is not specifically related to complications from hepatitis A. C: Preventing respiratory complications - While respiratory complications can occur in severe cases of hepatitis A, it is not the most likely difficulty the client will face during extended convalescence.
Question 5 of 5
A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client's abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perforation. The sudden onset of sharp-severe pain, rigidity, and board-like abdomen are classic signs of a perforated gastric ulcer. The spreading pain and relief in the knee-chest position indicate free air in the peritoneal cavity. Perforation is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention to prevent peritonitis and sepsis. Choice B: Obstruction is incorrect because it typically presents with a gradual onset of pain, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas. Choice C: Hemorrhage is incorrect as it usually presents with symptoms like hematemesis, melena, and signs of blood loss such as hypotension and tachycardia. Choice D: Intractability is incorrect because it refers to the condition being difficult to manage or cure, which is not the acute presentation described in the question.