ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following activities should the nurse encourage the client with a peptic ulcer to avoid?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Smoking cigarettes. Smoking can increase stomach acid production and decrease blood flow to the stomach lining, which can worsen peptic ulcers. Chewing gum can actually help by increasing saliva production, which can neutralize stomach acid. Eating chocolate and taking acetaminophen are generally safe for peptic ulcer patients as long as they do not have specific allergies or sensitivities.
Question 3 of 5
A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Impaired skin integrity related to seepage. This is the priority nursing diagnosis because a colostomy appliance can lead to skin breakdown due to seepage of stool, which can cause irritation and skin breakdown. Maintaining skin integrity is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing. A: Diarrhea is not the priority as it is a common issue after colostomy surgery but can be managed with appropriate interventions. C: Impaired nutrition is not the priority as it is not specifically related to the immediate care of the colostomy appliance. D: Impaired physical mobility is not the priority as it is not directly related to the immediate care of the colostomy appliance. In summary, choice B is the correct answer because maintaining skin integrity is essential for the client's well-being and to prevent complications associated with a colostomy appliance.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates best understanding of the medication therapy?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Cimetidine (Tagamet) is an H2 receptor antagonist that decreases stomach acid production. 2. Peptic ulcer disease is often caused by excessive stomach acid. 3. By decreasing stomach acid, cimetidine helps to heal the ulcer and prevent further damage. 4. Understanding this mechanism of action demonstrates the client's comprehension of the medication therapy. Summary: B: Sucralfate does not change stomach fluid; it forms a protective barrier over the ulcer. C: Antacids neutralize stomach acid but do not coat the stomach. D: Omeprazole reduces stomach acid production, not coats the ulcer.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a client who will be returning to a nursing unit following a percutaneous transhephatic cholangiogram. The nurse includes which intervention in the postprocedure plan of care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Place a sandbag over the insertion site. This intervention helps maintain pressure on the puncture site, reducing the risk of bleeding or hematoma formation post-procedure. Placing a sandbag over the insertion site is a standard practice to ensure hemostasis and prevent complications. Explanation for incorrect choices: B: Allowing bathroom privileges only is unrelated to the specific care needs following a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram. C: Encouraging fluid intake is a general nursing intervention and does not directly address the postprocedure care requirements for this specific procedure. D: Allowing the client to sit in a chair for meals is not a priority post-procedure and does not address the potential complications associated with the puncture site.