ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During the incubation period of viral hepatitis, what should the nurse expect the patient to report?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Anorexia and right upper quadrant discomfort. During the incubation period of viral hepatitis, the virus is replicating in the liver without causing noticeable symptoms. Anorexia and right upper quadrant discomfort are common early symptoms due to liver inflammation. Pruritus and malaise (Choice A) typically occur during the symptomatic phase. Dark urine and easy fatigability (Choice B) are more indicative of liver damage during the acute phase. Constipation or diarrhea with light-colored stools (Choice D) are not specific to the incubation period of viral hepatitis.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following foods should be avoided by a patient with cholecystitis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Creamy pasta. Patients with cholecystitis should avoid high-fat foods to prevent triggering symptoms. Creamy pasta is typically high in fat content due to the cream-based sauce, which can exacerbate cholecystitis symptoms. Grilled chicken (A) and brown rice (D) are lower in fat and generally better options for patients with cholecystitis. Spinach (B) is a healthy, low-fat food choice that can be consumed by patients with cholecystitis.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient's bowel sounds. After auscultating each quadrant for 30 seconds, the nurse fails to hear any sounds. How should the nurse document this finding?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoactive bowel sounds. This is because the nurse did not hear any bowel sounds after auscultating each quadrant for an adequate amount of time. Hypoactive bowel sounds indicate decreased or slowed bowel motility, which could be due to various factors such as postoperative ileus or constipation. The other choices are incorrect because Absent bowel sounds (choice A) would mean no sounds at all, Active bowel sounds (choice C) would indicate normal bowel motility, and Hyperactive bowel sounds (choice D) would indicate increased bowel motility, all of which are not reflective of the nurse's assessment findings.
Question 4 of 5
Which of these cells secrete hormones?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: enteroendocrine cells. These cells are specialized in secreting hormones in the gastrointestinal tract, regulating various physiological processes. Parietal cells secrete hydrochloric acid, mucous neck cells produce mucus for protection, and chief cells secrete pepsinogen for protein digestion. Therefore, enteroendocrine cells are the only cells among the options responsible for hormone secretion in this context.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following symptoms should be immediately reported to the healthcare provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Blood in the stool. This symptom may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious side effect of chemotherapy that requires prompt medical attention. Reporting it immediately can help prevent further complications. A: Diarrhea is a common side effect of chemotherapy but is not typically considered an emergency. B: Nausea is another common side effect that can usually be managed with medication and does not require immediate reporting. D: Fatigue is a common symptom of chemotherapy and is typically managed with rest and supportive care, not requiring immediate reporting. In summary, blood in the stool is the most concerning symptom that requires immediate attention compared to the other choices, which are common side effects of chemotherapy.