ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following is critical in terms of triggering a fever response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the hypothalamus acts as the body's thermostat and controls temperature regulation. When the body detects an infection or other triggers, the hypothalamus resets the temperature set point higher, causing a fever response to help fight off the infection. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because while an infection can trigger a fever response, it is the hypothalamus that ultimately controls and initiates the response by resetting the temperature set point, not a local widening of blood vessels or activation of the complement system.
Question 2 of 5
A client with cirrhosis is at risk for developing complications. Which condition is the most serious and potentially life-threatening?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client with cirrhosis, the most serious and potentially life-threatening complication among the options provided is A) Esophageal varices. Esophageal varices are dilated blood vessels in the esophagus that can rupture, leading to severe bleeding. This is a critical situation that can result in rapid blood loss, shock, and even death if not promptly addressed. Ascites (option B) is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and while it can lead to complications, it is usually not as acutely life-threatening as an esophageal variceal bleed. Peripheral edema (option C) and asterixis (liver flap - option D) are also common manifestations of cirrhosis but are not as immediately life-threatening as esophageal varices. In an educational context, understanding the potential complications of cirrhosis is crucial for healthcare providers caring for these patients. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of esophageal varices and knowing how to intervene quickly can be life-saving. This knowledge underscores the importance of regular monitoring, preventative measures, and prompt intervention in managing clients with cirrhosis.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse needs to administer feedings to a client who has diarrhea due to gastroenteritis. Which of the following factors should the nurse consider?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Administer feedings at room temperature. When a client has diarrhea due to gastroenteritis, administering feedings at room temperature is crucial. Cold feedings can further irritate the gastrointestinal tract, exacerbating the diarrhea. Bolus feedings, which are large amounts of feedings given at once, can overwhelm the digestive system and worsen diarrhea. Intermittent feedings, given at intervals, may also be too much for the compromised gastrointestinal tract to handle. Educationally, understanding the impact of feeding temperature and frequency on gastrointestinal health is essential for nurses caring for clients with gastroenteritis. By choosing the correct answer, nurses can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing in these clients. It is important to consider the physiological responses of the gastrointestinal system to different feeding methods to provide optimal care for clients with diarrhea.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is giving a presentation to a group of colleagues about the prevention of hepatitis transmission. Which of the following recommendations would the nurse suggest a healthcare worker use when working in the hospital?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Perform handwashing even after removing gloves. This recommendation is crucial in preventing hepatitis transmission because thorough hand hygiene, including washing hands after glove removal, is essential in reducing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Option B) Wear a gown only if body fluids may be splashed is incorrect as proper personal protective equipment, including gowns, should be worn whenever there is a risk of exposure to body fluids, not just when splashing is anticipated. Option C) Receive hepatitis A vaccine regardless of risk is incorrect as hepatitis A vaccine is not specifically related to preventing transmission in healthcare settings. Healthcare workers should follow standard precautions and receive the appropriate vaccines based on their job duties and exposure risks. Option D) Perform CPR without a pocket mask is incorrect as using a pocket mask during CPR is essential to prevent direct contact between the healthcare worker and the patient's respiratory secretions, reducing the risk of infection transmission. In an educational context, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment use, vaccination based on exposure risks, and following proper infection control protocols are critical components of preventing healthcare-associated infections like hepatitis in hospital settings. Healthcare workers must be vigilant in following these recommendations to ensure patient and staff safety.
Question 5 of 5
Which characterizes auscultation of the abdomen?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) The presence of borborygmi indicates hyperperistalsis. Auscultation of the abdomen is a crucial component of the physical examination to assess gastrointestinal function. Borborygmi refers to the rumbling or gurgling noises produced by hyperactive bowel sounds, indicating increased intestinal peristalsis. This finding can be indicative of various conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or early bowel obstruction. Option B) is incorrect because the diaphragm, not the bell, of the stethoscope is used to auscultate high-pitched sounds in the abdomen. The diaphragm is better at detecting higher-frequency sounds, which are typically heard in the abdomen. Option C) is vague and does not provide a specific characteristic of abdominal auscultation. High-pitched sounds can be present in normal bowel sounds as well as abnormal ones, so it does not accurately describe a hallmark finding. Option D) rushing is also too vague and does not provide a specific characteristic of abdominal auscultation. It does not relate to the specific sound of borborygmi or any other typical bowel sound. Educationally, understanding the significance of borborygmi in auscultation helps healthcare providers in diagnosing and monitoring gastrointestinal conditions. It underscores the importance of thorough physical examination skills in assessing patients comprehensively. Learning to differentiate various bowel sounds and their implications is essential for healthcare professionals in providing quality patient care.