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 client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would indicate the development of a potential complication?
- A. The client complains of a sore throat
- B. The client displays signs of sedation
- C. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature
- D. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A sudden increase in temperature after an endoscopy can indicate a potential complication, such as perforation.
3. A client presents to the emergency room, reporting that he has been vomiting every 30 to 40 minutes for the past 8 hours. Frequent vomiting puts him at risk for which of the following?
- A. Metabolic acidosis with hyperkalemia
- B. Metabolic acidosis with hypokalemia
- C. Metabolic alkalosis with hyperkalemia
- D. Metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Frequent vomiting can lead to metabolic alkalosis with hypokalemia due to the loss of stomach acid and electrolytes.
4. You’re caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this colostomy is:
- A. Formed
- B. Semisolid
- C. Semiliquid
- D. Watery
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The stool from a sigmoid colostomy is typically formed.
5. A client had an abdominal perineal resection with a colostomy 4 days ago and is ready for discharge. Which of the following would be an appropriate expected outcome at this point?
- A. The client maintains a high-fiber diet.
- B. The client discusses concerns about his sexual functioning.
- C. The client maintains bedrest.
- D. The client limits fluid intake to 1000 ml/day.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients often have concerns about their sexuality after a fecal diversion. The nurse should encourage the client to discuss any questions about sexual functioning. The client will not need to maintain a high-fiber diet but will be encouraged to avoid any foods that cause odor and flatulence. The client should be able to ambulate and sit out of bed for several hours at a time at this point. Fluid intake will be encouraged, not restricted.
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