ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, sweating and pallor, for early signs of dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is characterized by rapid emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, leading to symptoms like diaphoresis (sweating) and pallor due to vasomotor instability. Abdominal cramping and pain (A) are more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues, not specific to dumping syndrome. Bradycardia and indigestion (B) are not typical symptoms of dumping syndrome, as it usually presents with tachycardia due to fluid shifts. Double vision and chest pain (D) are not commonly associated with dumping syndrome.
Question 2 of 5
Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Profuse vomiting. In small bowel obstruction, the vomitus is typically profuse, as the small bowel is narrower and more distensible than the large bowel. This leads to rapid accumulation of gastric contents resulting in frequent vomiting. Cramping abdominal pain (B) can occur in both small and large bowel obstruction. Abdominal distention (C) is a common symptom in both types of obstruction due to the accumulation of gas and fluid. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction (D) are indicative of partial obstruction and can be present in both small and large bowel obstruction.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C (300 units/L) because in chronic pancreatitis, there is ongoing inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to elevated serum amylase levels. A level of 300 units/L is indicative of pancreatitis. Choices A and B are too low for chronic pancreatitis, and choice D is too high and would typically be seen in acute pancreatitis.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirating with a syringe and observing for the return of gastric contents. This technique is used first because it directly confirms the tube's placement by withdrawing gastric contents. If the tube is in the stomach, gastric contents will be aspirated. Choice B is incorrect because irrigating with normal saline does not confirm the tube placement in the stomach. Choice C is incorrect because placing the tube's free end in water and observing for air bubbles is not an accurate method to confirm stomach placement. Choice D is incorrect because instilling air and auscultating over the epigastric area may not provide definitive confirmation of tube placement in the stomach.