ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following nursing interventions should have the highest priority during the first hour after the admission of a client with cholecystitis who is experiencing pain, nausea, and vomiting?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering pain medication. Immediate pain relief is crucial in managing cholecystitis symptoms and improving the client's comfort. Pain can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and physiological responses that can worsen the condition. Administering pain medication promptly can help alleviate these symptoms and allow the client to rest. Completing the admission history (B) is important but can be done after addressing the urgent pain and discomfort. Maintaining hydration (C) is also essential but may not be the highest priority compared to pain relief. Teaching about planned diagnostic tests (D) is important for the client's understanding but can be deferred until the pain and discomfort are managed effectively.
Question 2 of 5
A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, 'I'm not sure I can avoid alcohol.' The most appropriate response is
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows active listening and empathy towards the client's concerns. By asking the client to explain, the nurse can gain a better understanding of the client's perspective and provide tailored support and information. Choice A is incorrect as it dismisses the client's concerns. Choice B is incorrect as it deflects responsibility from the nurse. Choice C is incorrect as it shows disbelief and lacks empathy.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain. In acute pancreatitis, pain management is crucial, and Meperidine is commonly used due to its minimal effect on the sphincter of Oddi. Incorrect options: A: Small, frequent high-calorie feedings can exacerbate pancreatitis by stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion. C: Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated is not a specific intervention for pancreatitis. D: Administering antacids and anticholinergics is not a standard treatment for pancreatitis and may not address the underlying cause of the condition.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting. In acute pancreatitis, the pancreatic enzymes cause inflammation and damage to the pancreas, leading to severe abdominal pain that is typically constant and not relieved by vomiting. Vomiting may even worsen the pain. Other choices are incorrect because severe abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis is not relieved by vomiting (A), hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis (C), and epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a specific hallmark sign (D).
Question 5 of 5
A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hematocrit. Hematocrit reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and can indicate hydration status. When a person is dehydrated, their blood becomes more concentrated, leading to an increase in hematocrit levels. In this case, severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea can cause dehydration, making hematocrit the best indicator of hydration status. Explanation for other choices: A: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and not directly related to hydration status. B: White blood cell count is an indicator of infection or inflammation, not hydration status. D: Serum glucose levels are related to blood sugar regulation, not hydration status.