ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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 3 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.
Question 4 of 5
A client with a history of gastric ulcer suddenly complains of a sharp-severe pain in the mid epigastric area, which then spreads over the entire abdomen. The client's abdomen is rigid and board-like to palpation, and the client obtains most comfort from lying in the knee-chest position. The nurse calls the physician immediately suspecting that the client is experiencing which of the following complications of peptic ulcer disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perforation. The sudden onset of sharp-severe pain, rigidity, and board-like abdomen are classic signs of a perforated gastric ulcer. The spreading pain and relief in the knee-chest position indicate free air in the peritoneal cavity. Perforation is a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention to prevent peritonitis and sepsis. Choice B: Obstruction is incorrect because it typically presents with a gradual onset of pain, bloating, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas. Choice C: Hemorrhage is incorrect as it usually presents with symptoms like hematemesis, melena, and signs of blood loss such as hypotension and tachycardia. Choice D: Intractability is incorrect because it refers to the condition being difficult to manage or cure, which is not the acute presentation described in the question.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client indeed has appendicitis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leukocytosis with a shift to the left. In acute appendicitis, the body responds with an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) as a sign of infection. A shift to the left indicates an increase in immature neutrophils, which is a common response to acute bacterial infections like appendicitis. Leukopenia (choices A and D) would not be expected in appendicitis. Leukopenia is a decrease in white blood cells, which is not typical in an acute infection like appendicitis. Leukocytosis with a shift to the right (choice B) could be seen in chronic infections or conditions like leukemia, not in acute appendicitis where a shift to the left is more common due to the rapid response to infection.