ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which statement by a patient with dumping syndrome should lead the nurse to determine that further dietary teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A) "I should eat bread and jam with every meal." This statement indicates a lack of understanding about dietary management for dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a condition where food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping. Eating high-sugar foods like bread and jam can exacerbate symptoms by causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, worsening dumping syndrome. Option B) "I should avoid drinking fluids with my meals" is incorrect as it is a recommended practice to prevent dumping syndrome by slowing down the passage of food through the digestive system. Option C) "I should eat smaller meals about six times a day" is incorrect because frequent, smaller meals can actually be beneficial in managing dumping syndrome by preventing large volumes of food from entering the digestive system at once. Option D) "I need to lie down for 30 to 60 minutes after my meals" is incorrect because lying down after meals can worsen symptoms of dumping syndrome by potentially increasing the speed of digestion. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to educate patients with dumping syndrome about appropriate dietary modifications to manage their symptoms effectively. Providing clear, accurate information can help patients make informed choices that support their health and well-being.
Question 2 of 5
What is a nursing intervention that is indicated for a male patient following an inguinal herniorrhaphy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inguinal herniorrhaphy is a common surgical procedure that involves repairing a hernia in the groin area. The correct nursing intervention for a male patient following this surgery is option B) Elevating the scrotum with a scrotal support. Elevating the scrotum with a scrotal support is crucial post-herniorrhaphy as it helps reduce swelling, decrease pain, and promote proper healing by providing support to the surgical site. This intervention also aids in preventing complications such as hematoma formation and improves patient comfort during the recovery period. Option A) Applying heat to the inguinal area is not recommended post-herniorrhaphy as heat may increase swelling and discomfort in the surgical region. Option C) Applying a truss to support the operative site is not appropriate as trusses are generally used for hernia prevention, not post-surgical support. Option D) Encouraging the patient to cough and deep breathe is a good practice to prevent respiratory complications postoperatively, but it is not specific to the care of a male patient following an inguinal herniorrhaphy. Understanding the appropriate nursing interventions post-inguinal herniorrhaphy is crucial for providing effective care to patients undergoing this common surgical procedure. Proper postoperative care can help promote optimal healing, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse identifies a need for further teaching when the patient with hepatitis B makes which statement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer to this question is B) "I must avoid all physical contact with my family until the jaundice is gone." This statement indicates a misunderstanding of how hepatitis B is transmitted. Hepatitis B is primarily spread through blood and bodily fluids, not casual physical contact like hugging or sharing food. Option A is correct because alcohol can exacerbate liver damage in hepatitis B, so avoiding it is crucial for liver health. Option C is correct as using a condom can help prevent the sexual transmission of hepatitis B, which is another common mode of spread. Option D is correct because rest is essential for recovery from hepatitis B, and gradually increasing activity helps prevent fatigue and supports healing. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of accurate information dissemination to patients with hepatitis B to prevent unnecessary social isolation and promote appropriate self-care practices. It emphasizes the role of nurses in patient education to ensure optimal health outcomes and dispel myths or misconceptions about the disease.
Question 4 of 5
What treatment measure is used in the management of the patient with acute pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the management of acute pancreatitis, the correct treatment measure is option C) Nasogastric (NG) suction to prevent gastric contents from entering the duodenum. This intervention is important because it helps to decrease pancreatic stimulation by reducing the release of cholecystokinin and secretin, which are hormones that stimulate pancreatic enzyme secretion. By preventing the entry of gastric contents into the duodenum, the pancreatic enzymes are not activated prematurely, reducing the inflammation and damage to the pancreas. Option A) Surgery to remove the inflamed pancreas is not a first-line treatment for acute pancreatitis. Surgery is usually reserved for complications of pancreatitis like abscesses or necrotic tissue that may require drainage or removal. Option B) Pancreatic enzyme supplements administered with meals are typically used in chronic pancreatitis to aid in digestion, but they are not the primary treatment for acute pancreatitis. Option D) Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy using ERCP is a procedure used in certain cases of chronic pancreatitis or for specific complications like pancreatic duct strictures or stones, but it is not a first-line treatment for acute pancreatitis. Educationally, understanding the appropriate management of acute pancreatitis is crucial for healthcare providers as it is a serious condition that requires prompt and accurate treatment to prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. By knowing the rationale behind each treatment option, healthcare professionals can make informed decisions in managing patients with acute pancreatitis effectively.
Question 5 of 5
On assessment of the abdomen in a patient with peritonitis, you would expect to find:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a patient with peritonitis, the correct assessment finding would be B) Rebound tenderness and guarding. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, which can be caused by infection, trauma, or other medical conditions. Rebound tenderness and guarding are classic signs of peritonitis and indicate peritoneal irritation and inflammation. Rebound tenderness is pain that occurs when pressure is released after palpating the abdomen, suggesting peritoneal inflammation. Guarding is the involuntary tensing of the abdominal muscles to protect the inflamed peritoneum. Option A) A soft abdomen with bowel sounds every 2 to 3 seconds is incorrect because peritonitis typically presents with abdominal rigidity or firmness due to the inflammation of the peritoneum, leading to guarding and rebound tenderness. Option C) Hyperactive, high-pitched bowel sounds, and a firm abdomen are inconsistent with peritonitis. While hyperactive bowel sounds may be present in some gastrointestinal conditions, the firm abdomen described here is not typical in peritonitis. Option D) Ascites and increased vascular pattern on the skin are more indicative of conditions like liver cirrhosis or heart failure rather than peritonitis. Ascites is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, and an increased vascular pattern on the skin can be a sign of chronic liver disease. Educationally, understanding the assessment findings in peritonitis is crucial for healthcare providers as prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent complications. Knowing the specific signs and symptoms of peritonitis, such as rebound tenderness and guarding, helps in making accurate diagnoses and providing timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.