ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The family members of a patient with hepatitis A ask if there is anything that will prevent them from developing the disease. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Those who have had household or close contact with the patient should receive immune globulin. This is because immune globulin can provide passive immunity to those exposed to hepatitis A, reducing the risk of developing the disease. Hepatitis A vaccine is not effective post-exposure, so it would not prevent disease in this scenario (option B). Option A is incorrect as there is a vaccine available for hepatitis A. Option D is incorrect because hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through fecal-oral route, not sexual contact.
Question 2 of 5
Treatment of the patient with appendicitis includes:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Surgical removal of appendix. Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, which requires surgical intervention (appendectomy) to prevent rupture and potential life-threatening complications. Transfusion (A) is not a standard treatment for appendicitis unless severe bleeding occurs post-surgery. Bowel prep (B) is unnecessary for appendicitis treatment as it is not related to colon cleansing. Medications to lower stomach pH (D) are used to treat conditions like acid reflux, not appendicitis. In summary, surgical removal of the inflamed appendix is the definitive treatment for appendicitis to prevent complications.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is percussing a patient's abdomen and hears a dull thud in the right upper quadrant. This sound indicates that the nurse is percussing over which location?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The liver. When percussing the abdomen, a dull thud in the right upper quadrant indicates the presence of a solid organ like the liver. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, making it the most likely source of the dull sound. The other choices are incorrect because the small intestine and stomach are hollow organs, which would produce a tympanic sound when percussed. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, not the abdominal cavity, so percussing over the lungs would not produce a sound in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Question 4 of 5
In which part of the alimentary canal does most digestion occur?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: proximal small intestine. Most digestion occurs in the proximal small intestine because it is where the majority of enzymes are secreted to break down food. This section also has a large surface area for absorption of nutrients. The stomach primarily breaks down food with acids, while the distal small intestine and ascending colon focus on absorption of nutrients and water, respectively.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - "I can use heating pads to warm my feet if they are cold." Rationale: 1. Using heating pads can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in diabetic feet. 2. Patients with diabetes should avoid direct heat on their feet. 3. Optimal foot care for diabetics includes inspecting feet, washing with mild soap, and trimming nails correctly. Summary: A: Correct - Washing feet daily is recommended. B: Correct - Inspecting feet daily is essential for early detection of issues. C: Incorrect - Using heating pads can be harmful to diabetic feet. D: Correct - Trimming toenails straight across is an appropriate practice.