ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System Quizlet Questions
Question 1 of 5
An enema is prescribed for a client with suspected appendicitis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Question the physician about the order. The rationale behind this is that administering an enema to a client suspected of having appendicitis can be dangerous as it may lead to rupture of the inflamed appendix. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to question the order and seek clarification from the physician before proceeding with the procedure. Option A) Prepare 750 ml of irrigating solution warmed to 100*F is incorrect because administering an enema in this situation can exacerbate the client's condition. Option C) Provide privacy and explain the procedure to the client is incorrect as it does not address the potential harm that an enema can cause in a client with suspected appendicitis. Option D) Assist the client to left lateral Sim's position is also incorrect as it focuses on the procedural aspect without considering the implications of the enema on a client with a suspected inflamed appendix. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of critical thinking and advocating for the safety of the client. Nurses need to be vigilant in assessing the appropriateness of orders, especially in situations where the intervention could potentially harm the client. This rationale emphasizes the significance of understanding the pathophysiology of conditions like appendicitis and applying that knowledge in clinical decision-making to ensure the best outcomes for clients.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs of dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Sweating and pallor, which indicates the early signs of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, leading to a rapid influx of fluid into the intestine. This can result in symptoms such as sweating and pallor due to the body's response to the sudden shift in fluid levels. Option A) Abdominal cramping and pain are more commonly associated with conditions like gastroenteritis or bowel obstruction rather than dumping syndrome. Option B) Bradycardia and indigestion are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome. Instead, tachycardia is more commonly seen due to the body's attempt to compensate for the rapid fluid shift. Option D) Double vision and chest pain are not specific to dumping syndrome but may be indicative of other conditions like a neurological issue or cardiac problem. In an educational context, understanding the signs and symptoms of dumping syndrome is crucial for nurses caring for patients who have undergone gastric surgeries, such as gastric bypass. Recognizing these early signs can prompt timely interventions to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. It is essential for nurses to be able to differentiate between various gastrointestinal disturbances to provide appropriate care and support to their patients effectively.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of a client who had an umbilical hernia repair, it is crucial for the nurse to include avoiding coughing in the discharge teaching plan. Coughing can increase intra-abdominal pressure, potentially leading to strain on the surgical site and increasing the risk of hernia recurrence or wound dehiscence. By instructing the client to avoid coughing, the nurse aims to promote healing and prevent complications post-surgery. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: A) Restricting pain medication: Pain management is essential after surgery to ensure the client's comfort and promote mobility. Restricting pain medication can lead to inadequate pain control, hindering the client's recovery. B) Maintaining bedrest: While some rest is initially recommended after surgery, prolonged bedrest can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia, blood clots, and muscle weakness. Encouraging early mobility within the limits set by the healthcare provider is crucial for preventing such complications. D) Irrigating the drain: Typically, umbilical hernia repairs do not involve drains. Instructing the client to irrigate a non-existent drain could lead to confusion and unnecessary intervention, which is not relevant to their care in this situation. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind each option helps students grasp the importance of individualized care plans based on the client's specific condition and the principles of postoperative care. It reinforces the significance of evidence-based practice in nursing interventions and highlights the role of patient education in promoting positive outcomes and preventing complications in the postoperative period.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In caring for a hospitalized client with ulcerative colitis, the nurse must be vigilant in monitoring for complications and changes in the client's condition. The correct answer is D) Rebound tenderness. Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, which can be a serious complication of ulcerative colitis requiring immediate medical intervention. This finding indicates inflammation of the peritoneum and is a surgical emergency. Option A) Bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of ulcerative colitis and, although concerning, may not warrant immediate reporting to the physician unless it is severe or persistent. Option B) Hypotension could be a result of dehydration or sepsis in a client with ulcerative colitis but does not specifically indicate a complication that requires urgent reporting. Option C) A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL is within the normal range for hemoglobin levels and would not be a cause for immediate concern in this context. Educationally, understanding the significance of rebound tenderness in a client with ulcerative colitis highlights the importance of thorough assessment skills and the need for timely reporting of critical findings to prevent potential complications. This scenario reinforces the critical role of the nurse in early detection and prompt intervention in managing complex gastrointestinal conditions.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn's disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented on the client's record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the case of a client with Crohn's disease, the nurse would expect to note diarrhea as a common stool characteristic. This is because Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that often affects the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea due to malabsorption of nutrients and inflammation of the bowel lining. Option A, chronic constipation, is incorrect because Crohn's disease typically presents with diarrhea rather than constipation. Option C, constipation alternating with diarrhea, may occur in some gastrointestinal disorders but is less commonly associated with Crohn's disease specifically. Option D, stool constantly oozing from the rectum, is not a typical characteristic of Crohn's disease and is more commonly seen in conditions like rectal prolapse or fecal incontinence. Educationally, understanding the typical manifestations of Crohn's disease, such as diarrhea, is crucial for nurses caring for patients with this condition. Recognizing these symptoms helps in providing appropriate interventions, monitoring for complications like dehydration, and educating patients on managing their disease effectively. This knowledge enhances the quality of care provided to patients with Crohn's disease and improves patient outcomes.