ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the client to report when responding to questions about his bowel elimination pattern?
- A. Constipation.
- B. Bloody, diarrheal stools.
- C. Steatorrhea.
- D. Alternating periods of constipation and diarrhea.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Diarrhea is the primary symptom of ulcerative colitis. It is profuse and severe; the client may pass as many as 15 to 20 watery stools per day. Stools may contain blood, mucus, and pus. The frequent diarrhea is often accompanied by anorexia and nausea. Constipation is not a sign or symptom of ulcerative colitis. Steatorrhea (fatty stools) is more typical of pancreatitis and cholecystitis. Alternating diarrhea and constipation is associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
2. The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure. You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient’s diet?
- A. Meats and beans.
- B. Butter and gravies.
- C. Potatoes and pastas.
- D. Cakes and pastries.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: For a patient with liver failure, it is important to limit the intake of meats and beans to reduce the risk of hepatic encephalopathy.
3. Your goal is to minimize David’s risk of complications after a heriorrhaphy. You instruct the patient to:
- A. Avoid the use of pain medication.
- B. Cough and deep breathe Q2H.
- C. Splint the incision if he can’t avoid sneezing or coughing.
- D. Apply heat to scrotal swelling.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Instruct the patient to splint the incision if he can't avoid sneezing or coughing to minimize the risk of complications after heriorrhaphy.
4. The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is:
- A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back.
- B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin.
- C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus.
- D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, unrelenting pain in the epigastric area that radiates to the back. This pain is due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.
5. You’re discharging Nathaniel with hepatitis B. Which statement suggests understanding by the patient?
- A. Now I can never get hepatitis again.
- B. I can safely give blood after 3 months.
- C. I’ll never have a problem with my liver again, even if I drink alcohol.
- D. My family knows that if I get tired and start vomiting, I may be getting sick again.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Understanding that family needs to be aware of symptoms that may indicate a recurrence of hepatitis B shows proper understanding by the patient.
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