ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Profuse vomiting. In small bowel obstruction, the vomitus is typically profuse, as the small bowel is narrower and more distensible than the large bowel. This leads to rapid accumulation of gastric contents resulting in frequent vomiting. Cramping abdominal pain (B) can occur in both small and large bowel obstruction. Abdominal distention (C) is a common symptom in both types of obstruction due to the accumulation of gas and fluid. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction (D) are indicative of partial obstruction and can be present in both small and large bowel obstruction.
Question 2 of 5
The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increase intake of fluids including juices. This is because viral hepatitis can cause anorexia and a decreased taste for food, leading to poor nutrition. Increasing fluid intake, especially juices, can help provide essential nutrients and prevent dehydration. A: Eating a good supper when anorexia is not as severe may not be effective in addressing the client's overall nutritional needs during the day. B: Eating less often and only three large meals daily can worsen the client's nutritional status and may not address the decreased appetite and taste for food. D: Selecting foods high in fat may not be appropriate for someone with viral hepatitis, as it can exacerbate liver inflammation and contribute to poor nutrition.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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.