ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When caring for a patient who has had most of the stomach surgically removed, what is important for the nurse to teach the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because after stomach surgery, particularly gastrectomy, the production of intrinsic factor, necessary for vitamin B12 absorption, is significantly reduced. Therefore, lifelong supplementation of cobalamin (vitamin B12) is crucial to prevent pernicious anemia. Iron supplementation (Choice A) may be necessary due to reduced iron absorption but is not the priority. Avoiding lactose-containing foods (Choice B) may be helpful, but it is not the most critical teaching. The absence of digestive enzymes (Choice D) might require enzyme replacement therapy, but the primary concern is vitamin B12 deficiency due to reduced intrinsic factor production.
Question 2 of 5
What is the main underlying risk factor for metabolic syndrome?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main underlying risk factor for metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance (Choice C). Insulin resistance is a condition where the cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This is a key feature of metabolic syndrome, which includes a cluster of conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance plays a central role in the development of metabolic syndrome by promoting inflammation, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular complications. The other choices, Age (A), Heart disease (B), and High cholesterol levels (D), while they may be associated with metabolic syndrome, are not the main underlying risk factor. Age is a risk factor for many health conditions, heart disease is a potential consequence of metabolic syndrome, and high cholesterol levels are a component of metabolic syndrome but not the primary underlying risk factor.
Question 3 of 5
What does the nurse include when teaching a patient with newly diagnosed peptic ulcer disease?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it promotes individualized dietary adjustments based on the patient's symptoms. By eating as normally as possible and eliminating foods that cause pain or discomfort, the patient can identify trigger foods. A bland diet (choice A) may not be necessary for all patients with peptic ulcer disease. Moderating alcohol and caffeine (choice B) is generally advised but not the top priority in dietary education. Avoiding milk and dairy (choice D) is not a standard recommendation unless the patient specifically experiences worsened symptoms with these products.
Question 4 of 5
Priority Decision: When caring for a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), what is most important for the nurse to do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Building a trusting relationship is crucial for patients with IBS to provide emotional support. 2. Trust enables effective communication and understanding of the patient's symptoms. 3. Trust fosters adherence to treatment plans and promotes better outcomes. 4. Symptomatic care helps manage IBS symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. Summary: - Choice A is incorrect because IBS is a real medical condition, not just psychogenic. - Choice C is incorrect as fiber intake may worsen symptoms for some IBS patients. - Choice D is incorrect because medication effectiveness varies, and not all patients may benefit.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse plans teaching for the patient with a colostomy but the patient refuses to look at the nurse or the stoma, stating, 'I just can't see myself with this thing.' What is the best nursing intervention for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Encourage the patient to share concerns and ask questions. This option promotes therapeutic communication and allows the patient to express their fears and anxieties, which can help in addressing their concerns and building trust. By encouraging the patient to share their feelings, the nurse can provide emotional support and offer appropriate education tailored to the patient's needs. This approach empowers the patient to take an active role in their care and decision-making process. Summary: - Option B (Refer the patient to a chaplain): While spiritual support can be beneficial, in this case, the patient's immediate need is to address their concerns about the colostomy. - Option C (Explain that there is nothing the patient can do about it): This response is dismissive and not empowering for the patient, undermining their ability to cope effectively. - Option D (Tell the patient that learning about it will prevent issues): While education is important, forcing information on the patient without addressing their emotional needs may result in