ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision. This measure helps support the incision site, reducing pain during coughing and deep breathing. Splinting the incision promotes effective coughing and deep breathing post-surgery, aiding in lung expansion and preventing complications like atelectasis. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain is incorrect as it can lead to inadequate lung expansion and retention of secretions. B: Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing is incorrect as it does not directly support the incision site and may not be as effective in reducing pain. D: Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions is incorrect as pain management is crucial post-surgery for comfort and optimal recovery.
Question 2 of 5
Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (D): By assessing for gastric residual before administering another feeding through the nasogastric tube, the nurse can evaluate absorption of the last feeding. If there is a significant amount of residual, it may indicate poor absorption, which could lead to complications such as aspiration. This assessment helps in determining the appropriate timing and amount of the next feeding to prevent complications. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Confirming proper nasogastric tube placement is typically done using other methods like pH testing or X-ray. This assessment does not directly relate to evaluating absorption. B: Observing gastric contents may provide information about the patient's gastric secretions but does not specifically help in evaluating the absorption of the last feeding. C: Assessing fluid and electrolyte status is important but not the primary purpose of checking gastric residual before administering a feeding. This assessment is more focused on monitoring the patient's overall hydration and electrolyte balance.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings. This is appropriate for a client with ulcerative colitis because small, frequent feedings help reduce gastrointestinal distress and maintain proper nutrition. Clients with ulcerative colitis often have difficulty tolerating large meals, so small, frequent feedings can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms. A: Recording intake and output is important for certain conditions but not specifically for ulcerative colitis. C: Using a heating pad may provide temporary relief for abdominal cramping but does not address the underlying issue of ulcerative colitis. D: Accepting a colostomy is not an expected outcome for ulcerative colitis treatment unless all other options have failed.
Question 4 of 5
The home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Vitamin B12 injections. Pernicious anemia results from a lack of intrinsic factor, which is needed for Vitamin B12 absorption. Since the stomach lining produces less intrinsic factor after gastric surgery, the client cannot absorb B12 orally. Therefore, B12 injections are necessary to bypass the need for intrinsic factor. Vitamin B6 injections (B) are not indicated for pernicious anemia. Antibiotics (C) and antacids (D) are not relevant to the treatment of pernicious anemia.
Question 5 of 5
When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Steatorrhea. In celiac disease, the small intestine is unable to absorb nutrients properly due to gluten intolerance, leading to fat malabsorption. Steatorrhea is a common symptom characterized by foul-smelling, greasy, and bulky stools. Jaundiced sclerae (B) are associated with liver dysfunction, not celiac disease. Clay-colored stools (C) may indicate issues with the liver or bile ducts, not celiac disease. Widened pulse pressure (D) is not typically a direct symptom of celiac disease but may be seen in conditions like aortic regurgitation.