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. 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.
3. A client with a peptic ulcer reports epigastric pain that frequently awakens her at night, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, and a feeling of anxiety about her health. Based on this information, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate?
- A. Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements related to anorexia.
- B. Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain
- C. Ineffective Coping related to exacerbation of duodenal ulcer
- D. Activity Intolerance related to abdominal pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Disturbed Sleep Pattern related to epigastric pain is appropriate because the client reports pain that frequently awakens her at night.
4. A 30-year old client experiences weight loss, abdominal distention, crampy abdominal pain, and intermittent diarrhea after the birth of her 2nd child. Diagnostic tests reveal gluten-induced enteropathy. Which foods must she eliminate from her diet permanently?
- A. Milk and dairy products
- B. Protein-containing foods
- C. Cereal grains (except rice and corn)
- D. Carbohydrates
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Gluten-induced enteropathy, or celiac disease, requires the elimination of gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Dairy, proteins, and carbohydrates are not excluded unless the client has specific intolerances.
5. A nurse is caring for a client diagnose with pancreatitis. The nurse anticipates that the client would not experience an elevation of which of the following enzymes?
- A. Lipase
- B. Lactase
- C. Amylase
- D. Trypsin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Lactase is produced in the small intestine and aids in splitting neutral fats into glycerol and fatty acids. Lipase, amylase, and trypsin are produced in the pancreas and aid in the digestion of fats, starches, and proteins, respectively.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access