ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease is hospitalized with symptoms of a perforation. During the initial assessment
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Projectile vomiting of undigested food. In a patient with a perforated peptic ulcer, the sudden opening in the stomach lining allows food to pass into the abdominal cavity, leading to projectile vomiting of undigested food. This symptom is a classic sign of a perforation and requires immediate medical attention. Choice A is incorrect because vomiting of bright-red blood is more indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not a perforation. Choice B is incorrect as vomiting undigested food is more common in conditions like gastroparesis, not perforated ulcers. Choice D is incorrect as severe upper abdominal pain and back pain are symptoms of a perforation but not as specific as projectile vomiting of undigested food.
Question 2 of 5
An 82-year-old man is admitted with an acute attack of diverticulitis. What should the nurse include in his care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of peritonitis. Peritonitis is a serious complication of diverticulitis that can result from a rupture of inflamed diverticula leading to abdominal infection. Monitoring for signs such as severe abdominal pain, rigidity, and fever is crucial for early detection and prompt intervention. Option B is incorrect as daily medicated enemas are not the standard treatment for diverticulitis. Option C is also incorrect as surgery is usually reserved for complicated cases or recurrent attacks. Option D is incorrect because applying a heating pad may exacerbate inflammation and is not recommended in diverticulitis management.
Question 3 of 5
The family members of a patient with hepatitis A ask if there is anything that will prevent them from developing the disease. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Those who have had household or close contact with the patient should receive immune globulin. This is because immune globulin can provide passive immunity to those exposed to hepatitis A, reducing the risk of developing the disease. Hepatitis A vaccine is not effective post-exposure, so it would not prevent disease in this scenario (option B). Option A is incorrect as there is a vaccine available for hepatitis A. Option D is incorrect because hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral route, not sexual contact.
Question 4 of 5
When assessing a patient with acute pancreatitis, the nurse would expect to find
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because severe midepigastric or LUQ pain is a classic symptom of acute pancreatitis due to inflammation of the pancreas. This pain is usually persistent and can radiate to the back. A: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis but rather with conditions like gastroenteritis. B: Hypertension and tachycardia are not specific to acute pancreatitis and can be seen in various medical conditions. C: While fever can be present in acute pancreatitis, a specific temperature greater than 102°F is not a defining characteristic.
Question 5 of 5
Treatment of the patient with appendicitis includes:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Surgical removal of appendix. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which requires surgical intervention (appendectomy) to prevent rupture and potential life-threatening complications. Transfusion (A) is not a standard treatment for appendicitis unless severe bleeding occurs post-surgery. Bowel prep (B) is unnecessary for appendicitis treatment as it is not related to colon cleansing. Medications to lower stomach pH (D) are used to treat conditions like acid reflux, not appendicitis. In summary, surgical removal of the inflamed appendix is the definitive treatment for appendicitis to prevent complications.