ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client has a nasogastric tube inserted at the time of abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. This tube will most likely be removed when the client demonstrates:
- A. Absence of nausea and vomiting.
- B. Passage of mucus from the rectum.
- C. Passage of flatus and feces from the colostomy.
- D. Absence of stomach drainage for 24 hours.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sign indicating that a client's colostomy is open and ready to function is passage of feces and flatus. When this occurs, gastric suction is ordinarily discontinued, and the client is allowed to start taking fluids and food orally. Absence of bowel sounds would indicate that the tube should remain in place because peristalsis has not yet returned. Absence of nausea and vomiting is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued. Passage of mucus from the rectum will not occur in this client because the rectum is removed in this surgery. Absence of stomach drainage is not a criterion for judging whether or not gastric suction should be continued.
2. A nurse is inserting a nasogastric tube in an adult client. During the procedure, the client begins to cough and has difficulty breathing. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Remove the tube and reinsert when the respiratory distress subsides.
- B. Pull back on the tube and wait until the respiratory distress subsides.
- C. Quickly insert the tube.
- D. Notify the physician immediately.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the insertion of a nasogastric tube, if the client experiences difficulty breathing or any respiratory distress, withdraw the tube slightly, stop the tube advancement, and wait until the distress subsides. Options 1 and 4 are unnecessary. Quickly inserting the tube is not an appropriate action because, in this situation, it may be likely that the tube has entered the bronchus.
3. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?
- A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
- B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
- C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
- D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
4. A client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea. He is thin and has lost 12 pounds since the exacerbation of his ulcerative colitis. The nurse should anticipate that the physician will order which of the following treatment approaches to help the client meet his nutritional needs?
- A. Initiate continuous enteral feedings
- B. Encourage a high protein, high-calorie diet
- C. Implement total parenteral nutrition
- D. Provide six small meals a day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Implementing total parenteral nutrition helps meet the nutritional needs of a client with persistent diarrhea and significant weight loss due to ulcerative colitis.
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?
- A. Administering pain medication.
- B. Completing the admission history.
- C. Maintaining hydration.
- D. Teaching about planned diagnostic tests.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication would have the highest priority during the first hour after the client's admission. Pain relief is essential to address the client's immediate discomfort and distress. Completing the admission history, maintaining hydration, and teaching about planned diagnostic tests are important aspects of care but can be addressed after addressing the client's pain and stabilizing their condition.
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