Priority Decision: A patient is admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

Questions 44

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions Questions

Question 1 of 4

Priority Decision: A patient is admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain. What nursing intervention should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Assessing the onset, location, intensity, duration, and character of the pain is the priority because it helps determine the potential cause of the abdominal pain. This information guides further interventions and informs the healthcare team about the urgency of the situation. Choice A (Measurement of vital signs) can be important but assessing the pain characteristics takes precedence as it directly informs the urgency of the situation. Choice B (Administration of prescribed analgesics) should be delayed until the cause of the pain is identified to prevent masking symptoms that could aid in diagnosis. Choice D (Physical assessment of the abdomen) is important but assessing the pain characteristics comes first to guide the physical assessment and subsequent interventions.

Question 2 of 4

The patient asks why the serologic test of HBV DNA quantitation is being done. What is the best rationale for the nurse to explain the test to the patient?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because HBV DNA quantitation measures the amount of HBV genetic material in the blood, reflecting viral replication. This helps monitor the effectiveness of therapy in chronic HBV patients. Choice A is incorrect as the test does not specifically indicate ongoing infection. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to co-infection with HDV, which is not the purpose of HBV DNA quantitation. Choice C is incorrect as the test does not differentiate between previous infection and ongoing viral replication, which is crucial in managing chronic HBV.

Question 3 of 4

The patient with liver failure has had a liver transplant. What should the nurse teach the patient about care after the transplant?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because patients who undergo liver transplant are put on immunosuppressive medication to prevent rejection. This medication weakens the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections. Monitoring closely for signs of infection is crucial to prevent complications. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol intake is not recommended after a liver transplant as it can further damage the new liver. Choice B is incorrect because HBIG (Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin) is typically given to prevent hepatitis B recurrence, not rejection. Choice C is incorrect as elevating the head has no direct correlation with post-liver transplant care.

Question 4 of 4

During discharge instructions for a patient following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, what should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Report any bile-colored or purulent drainage from the incisions. This is important because it could indicate infection or bile leak, which are complications that need immediate medical attention. A is incorrect because incision areas should be kept clean and dry, but typically for 48 hours, not a week. B is incorrect as shoulder pain is a common referred pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and not necessarily an immediate concern. D is incorrect because while some nausea and vomiting can be expected, it should not be considered normal for days postoperatively.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions