ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client's nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because pouring the 40 mL of gastric aspirate back into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed ensures the undigested formula is returned to the stomach for digestion. This method maintains the balance of electrolytes and nutrients and prevents potential complications. Choice A is incorrect because discarding the aspirate without returning it to the stomach can lead to electrolyte imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. Choice C is incorrect because mixing the aspirate with formula before administering it can cause inaccurate dosing and potential nutrient interactions. Choice D is incorrect because diluting the aspirate with water and forcibly injecting it back into the stomach can cause discomfort and potential complications for the client.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is planning to teach the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease about substances that will increase the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Which of the following items would the nurse include on this list?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nonfat milk. Nonfat milk is alkaline and can help increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure, reducing reflux symptoms. Fatty foods (A) can relax the sphincter and worsen symptoms. Chocolate (C) and coffee (D) are known triggers for reflux and can also decrease sphincter pressure. Therefore, the nurse would include nonfat milk in the teaching to help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Question 3 of 5
Lactulose (Chronulac) is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse would determine that this medication has had a therapeutic effect if which of the following is noted?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased serum ammonia level. Lactulose is used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing serum ammonia levels through its laxative effect, promoting the excretion of ammonia in the feces. Decreased ammonia levels indicate that the medication is effectively managing the condition. Increased red blood cell count (A), increased protein level (C), and decreased white blood cell level (D) are not directly related to the therapeutic effect of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Vomiting blood. When the esophageal balloon of the Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is deflated, the risk of esophageal variceal bleeding increases. Vomiting blood indicates active bleeding and requires immediate intervention. Swelling of the abdomen (A) is not directly related to deflating the balloon. Bloody diarrhea (B) is not a common complication of deflating the balloon. An elevated temperature and a rise in blood pressure (D) are not typical signs of complications related to the deflation of the esophageal balloon.
Question 5 of 5
A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer kanamycin (Kantrex) the night before surgery. This antibiotic is typically given preoperatively to reduce the risk of infection during the surgical procedure. It helps to eliminate or reduce the number of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, which could potentially contaminate the surgical site during the abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. A: Keeping the client NPO for 2 days before surgery is not necessary for this procedure and could lead to unnecessary dehydration and discomfort. C: Informing the client that chest tubes will be in place after surgery is not directly related to preoperative preparation for this specific surgery. D: Advising the client to limit activity is important for postoperative recovery, but it is not a preoperative measure specific to this surgery.