a client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 ml six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer he tells the nurse that he has been unable to ha

ATI RN

ATI Gastrointestinal System

1. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?

A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.

2. A client who has had gastrectomy is not producing sufficient intrinsic factor. The nurse interprets that the client has lost the ability to absorb cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) in the

A. Stomach.
B. Small intestine.
C. Large intestine.
D. Colon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intrinsic factor is produced in the stomach but is used to aid in the absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine. Vitamin B12 is not absorbed in the large intestine (options 3 and 4).

3. After gastric resection surgery, which of the following signs and symptoms would alert the nurse to the development of a leaking anastomosis?

A. Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity.
B. Diarrhea with fat in the stool.
C. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating.
D. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pain, fever, and abdominal rigidity are signs and symptoms of inflammation or peritonitis caused by the leaking anastomosis. Diarrhea with fat in the stool is steatorrhea and is not present in peritonitis. Palpitations, pallor, and diaphoresis after eating are vasomotor symptoms of gastric retention. Feelings of fullness and nausea after eating are not present in peritonitis.

4. Which of the following diagnostic tests should be performed annually over age 50 to screen for colon cancer?

A. Abdominal CT scan
B. Abdominal x-ray
C. Colonoscopy
D. Fecal occult blood test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A fecal occult blood test should be performed annually for individuals over age 50 to screen for colon cancer.

5. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?

A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.