ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important assessment is for the nurse to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Regularly assess respiratory status. When a client has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube inserted for esophageal varices, the most critical complication is airway compromise due to tube displacement. Regular assessment of respiratory status is essential to detect early signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath, stridor, or decreased oxygen saturation. Prompt recognition and intervention can prevent serious respiratory complications like asphyxiation. Option A) Checking that the hemostat is on the bedside is important for securing the tube but not as critical as monitoring respiratory status. Option B) Monitoring IV fluids is important for overall fluid balance but not the most critical assessment for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. Option D) Checking that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis is essential but does not take precedence over respiratory assessment in terms of immediate risk to the client's airway. In the educational context, understanding the priority assessments for clients with specific interventions like a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is crucial for nurses caring for patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Emphasizing the importance of respiratory assessment in high-risk situations can help prevent life-threatening complications and improve patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
When a client has peptic ulcer disease, the nurse would expect a priority intervention to be:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the context of a client with peptic ulcer disease, the priority intervention would be to insert a nasogastric tube (Option C). This intervention is crucial as it helps decompress the stomach, reducing gastric acid secretion and preventing further irritation to the ulcer. By removing gastric contents, a nasogastric tube can also help assess for bleeding, a common complication of peptic ulcers. Assisting in inserting a Miller-Abbott tube (Option A) is not a priority in this situation as it is used for intestinal decompression and not specifically for peptic ulcer disease management. Inserting an arterial pressure line (Option B) is also not a priority as it does not directly address the immediate needs of a client with peptic ulcer disease. Inserting an IV (Option D) is important for fluid and medication administration, but it is not the priority over decompressing the stomach and assessing for bleeding in this scenario. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind the priority interventions for specific conditions like peptic ulcer disease is vital for nurses to provide safe and effective care. It reinforces the importance of critical thinking in prioritizing nursing actions based on the client's condition and needs.
Question 3 of 5
A 40-year-old male client has been hospitalized with peptic ulcer disease. He is being treated with a histamine receptor antagonist (cimetidine), antacids, and diet. The nurse doing discharge planning will teach him that the action of cimetidine is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the case of a 40-year-old male client with peptic ulcer disease being treated with cimetidine, the correct action of cimetidine is to inhibit the production of hydrochloric acid (HCl). This is because cimetidine is a histamine receptor antagonist that works by blocking the H2 receptors in the stomach, thereby reducing the production of stomach acid. Option A, reducing gastric acid output, is partially correct but not as specific as option C. Cimetidine does reduce gastric acid output, but the mechanism is through inhibiting the production of HCl. Option B, protecting the ulcer surface, is incorrect as cimetidine does not directly provide protection to the ulcer surface. Its primary action is on reducing acid production. Option D, inhibiting vagus nerve stimulation, is incorrect as cimetidine does not directly act on the vagus nerve. It primarily targets the H2 receptors in the stomach to reduce acid production. In an educational context, understanding the specific mechanisms of action of medications used in treating gastrointestinal disorders like peptic ulcer disease is crucial for nurses to provide effective patient education and care. Teaching the client about how cimetidine works to inhibit acid production can help in promoting adherence to the treatment plan and better management of the condition.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following complications is thought to be the most common cause of appendicitis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the context of the gastrointestinal system, understanding the etiology of appendicitis is crucial for nursing students. The correct answer, A) A fecalith, is the most common cause of appendicitis. A fecalith is a hardened mass of stool, mucus, or foreign body in the appendix, leading to inflammation and subsequent infection. Option B) Bowel kinking is not a common cause of appendicitis. Although bowel kinking can cause bowel obstruction and other complications, it is not typically associated with appendicitis. Option C) Internal bowel occlusion refers to the blockage of the bowel lumen, which can lead to various conditions, but it is not the primary cause of appendicitis. Option D) Abdominal bowel swelling is a nonspecific finding that can be seen in various gastrointestinal conditions but is not directly linked to the development of appendicitis. Educationally, understanding the pathophysiology of appendicitis and recognizing the common causes can help students in clinical practice by enabling them to identify early signs and symptoms, leading to prompt intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Question 5 of 5
When obtaining a nursing history on a client with a suspected gastric ulcer, which signs and symptoms would the nurse expect to see? Select ONE that does not apply.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the context of a suspected gastric ulcer, it is crucial for nurses to be able to recognize common signs and symptoms to provide appropriate care. The correct answer, B) Relief of epigastric pain after eating, is expected in peptic ulcers because food can help neutralize the gastric acid and temporarily relieve the pain. Option A) Epigastric pain at night is typical in peptic ulcers due to increased gastric acid secretion when the stomach is empty, leading to pain during nighttime. Option C) Vomiting can occur in gastric ulcers due to irritation and inflammation in the stomach lining. Option D) Weight loss is a common symptom in gastric ulcers as the individual may avoid eating to alleviate pain, leading to unintended weight loss. Understanding these signs and symptoms is essential for nurses to assess, diagnose, and manage clients with gastrointestinal issues effectively. Recognition of these manifestations can guide appropriate interventions and promote optimal patient outcomes.