ATI RN
Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is a postoperative nursing intervention for the obese patient who has undergone bariatric surgery?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because providing adequate support to the incision during coughing, deep breathing, and turning is essential postoperatively to prevent complications such as wound dehiscence or infection in obese patients who have undergone bariatric surgery. Supporting the incision helps reduce stress on the surgical site and promotes proper healing. Choice A is incorrect because irrigating and repositioning the nasogastric tube is not a specific nursing intervention related to the care of the incision after bariatric surgery. Choice B is incorrect because delaying ambulation can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis and pneumonia in postoperative obese patients. Choice C is incorrect because keeping the patient positioned on the side to facilitate respiratory function is important, but it is not directly related to supporting the incision during activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure.
Question 2 of 5
Priority Decision: A patient returns to the surgical unit with a nasogastric (NG) tube to low intermittent suction, IV fluids, and a Jackson-Pratt drain at the surgical site following an exploratory laparotomy and repair of a bowel perforation. Four hours after admission, the patient experiences nausea and vomiting. What is a priority nursing intervention for the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Check the amount and character of gastric drainage and the patency of the NG tube. This is the priority nursing intervention because the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, which could indicate potential complications related to the NG tube, such as blockage or displacement. By checking the gastric drainage and NG tube patency, the nurse can assess if the patient's symptoms are related to these issues and take appropriate actions to address them. Choice A is incorrect because assessing the abdomen for distention and bowel sounds is important but not the priority in this situation where the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as inspecting the surgical site and drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain is also important but not as urgent as checking the NG tube patency in this case. Choice D is incorrect as administering medication should not be the first action taken without first assessing the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
On examining a patient 8 hours after having surgery to create a colostomy, what should the nurse expect to find?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because 8 hours post colostomy surgery, a purplish stoma that is shiny and moist with mucus indicates adequate blood supply and tissue perfusion, which are signs of a healthy stoma. A is incorrect as hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds are not expected immediately post-surgery. B is incorrect as a brick-red, puffy stoma oozing blood could indicate poor perfusion. D is incorrect as liquid fecal drainage is not expected immediately post-surgery; it usually starts a few days later.
Question 4 of 5
Although HAV antigens are not tested in the blood, they stimulate specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. Which antibody indicates there is acute HAV infection?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Anti-HAV IgM. IgM antibodies indicate acute infection as they are the first antibodies produced in response to a new infection. In the case of HAV, the presence of Anti-HAV IgM suggests recent exposure to the virus. A: Anti-HBc IgG is not relevant to HAV infection. It indicates past or chronic hepatitis B infection. B: Anti-HBc IgM is specific to hepatitis B infection, not HAV. C: Anti-HAV IgG indicates past exposure or immunity to HAV, not acute infection.
Question 5 of 5
Priority Decision: During the treatment of the patient with bleeding esophageal varices, what is the most important thing the nurse should do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because maintaining the patient's airway and preventing aspiration of blood is the top priority in a patient with bleeding esophageal varices. This is crucial to prevent respiratory compromise and potential life-threatening complications. Immediate portal shunting surgery (A) is not the priority as stabilizing the patient comes first. Guaiac testing (B) is not the priority as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction. Monitoring cardiac effects (D) is important but not as critical as ensuring the patient's airway is secure.