ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): By assessing for gastric residual before administering another feeding through the nasogastric tube, the nurse can evaluate absorption of the last feeding. If there is a significant amount of residual, it may indicate poor absorption, which could lead to complications such as aspiration. This assessment helps in determining the appropriate timing and amount of the next feeding to prevent complications. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Confirming proper nasogastric tube placement is typically done using other methods like pH testing or X-ray. This assessment does not directly relate to evaluating absorption. B: Observing gastric contents may provide information about the patient's gastric secretions but does not specifically help in evaluating the absorption of the last feeding. C: Assessing fluid and electrolyte status is important but not the primary purpose of checking gastric residual before administering a feeding. This assessment is more focused on monitoring the patient's overall hydration and electrolyte balance.
Question 2 of 5
The 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 needed for Vitamin B12 absorption. Since the stomach lining produces less intrinsic factor after gastric surgery, the client cannot absorb B12 orally. Therefore, B12 injections are necessary to bypass the need for intrinsic factor. Vitamin B6 injections (B) are not indicated for pernicious anemia. Antibiotics (C) and antacids (D) are not relevant to the treatment of pernicious anemia.
Question 3 of 5
When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Steatorrhea. In celiac disease, the small intestine is unable to absorb nutrients properly due to gluten intolerance, leading to fat malabsorption. Steatorrhea is a common symptom characterized by foul-smelling, greasy, and bulky stools. Jaundiced sclerae (B) are associated with liver dysfunction, not celiac disease. Clay-colored stools (C) may indicate issues with the liver or bile ducts, not celiac disease. Widened pulse pressure (D) is not typically a direct symptom of celiac disease but may be seen in conditions like aortic regurgitation.
Question 4 of 5
A client with viral hepatitis states, 'I am so yellow.' The nurse most appropriately would
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because assisting the client in expressing feelings shows empathy and addresses the client's emotional needs. It helps the client cope with the physical manifestations of the illness. Choice B is incorrect as it promotes dependence. Choice C is incorrect because providing information only upon request may not address the client's emotional distress. Choice D is incorrect as restricting visitors may further isolate the client.
Question 5 of 5
A client has been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse interprets that the client has dysfunction of which of the following parts of the digestive system?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lower esophageal sphincter. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) involves the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which fails to close properly, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. This leads to symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Choices A and B (Chief cells and Parietal cells of the stomach) are not directly related to GERD, as they are involved in gastric acid secretion. Choice D (Upper esophageal sphincter) is responsible for preventing air from entering the esophagus during breathing and is not typically implicated in GERD.