ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The client with cirrhosis has ascites and excess fluid volume. Which measure will the nurse include in the plan of care for this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the amount of fluids consumed. In cirrhosis with ascites and excess fluid volume, limiting fluid intake helps reduce fluid overload and prevent further accumulation of fluid in the body. Excess fluid can worsen ascites, leading to complications like respiratory distress and electrolyte imbalances. Increasing sodium intake (A) would worsen fluid retention. Encouraging ambulation (C) is important but not directly related to managing ascites. Administering magnesium antacids (D) is not necessary for addressing fluid volume excess.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because emotional support from the family is crucial for the client's rehabilitation. Emotional support can positively impact the client's mental health, motivation, and adherence to treatment plans. It can also reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in chronic illnesses like ulcerative colitis. Options A and D focus on practical aspects and understanding of the illness, which are important but not as impactful as emotional support. Option B addresses the client's responsibilities, which, while important, may not have as direct an impact on rehabilitation as emotional support.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?" This question is specific to acute pancreatitis as the pain typically radiates from the epigastric area to the back. Pancreatitis pain often presents as severe, constant, and radiating to the back due to the inflammation of the pancreas affecting surrounding structures. Choice A is incorrect as the pain in acute pancreatitis typically radiates to the back, not the groin. Choice C is incorrect as it specifies a different area in the abdomen, not the typical location for pancreatitis pain. Choice D is incorrect as pancreatitis pain does not typically radiate to the hip. In summary, understanding the characteristic radiation of pain in acute pancreatitis is key to assessing and differentiating it from other abdominal conditions.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stool less watery?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: C: Bran is a high-fiber food known to add bulk to stool, thus making it less watery in individuals with ileostomy. A: Pasta and B: Boiled rice are low-fiber foods that may not help thicken stool. D: Low-fat cheese is not specifically known to thicken stool. In summary, choosing high-fiber foods like bran can help thicken stool, while low-fiber foods like pasta, boiled rice, and low-fat cheese may not have the same effect.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule. Rest periods are essential for managing ulcerative colitis exacerbations as they help reduce stress on the digestive system. Antidiarrheal medications (A) may worsen the condition by masking symptoms and delaying appropriate treatment. High-fiber diets (C) can aggravate symptoms in some individuals with ulcerative colitis. Wearing a gown (D) is unrelated to managing ulcerative colitis exacerbations.