ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client is scheduled for an abdominal perineal resection with permanent colostomy. Which of the following measures would most likely be included in the plan for the client's preoperative preparation?
- A. Keep the client NPO for 2 days before surgery.
- B. Administer kanamycin (Kantrex) the night before surgery.
- C. Inform the client that chest tubes will be in place after surgery.
- D. Advise the client to limit activity.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Antibiotics are administered preoperatively to reduce the bacterial count in the colon. The client will be placed on a low residue diet to help cleanse the bowel before surgery but typically is not placed on NPO status until 8 to 12 hours before surgery. Laxatives and enemas may also be administered. Chest tubes would not be expected postoperatively. There is no need to limit the client's activity before surgery.
2. When counseling a client in ways to prevent cholecystitis, which of the following guidelines is most important?
- A. Eat a low-protein diet
- B. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
- C. Limit exercise to 10 minutes/day
- D. Keep weight proportionate to height
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Eating a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is most important for preventing cholecystitis.
3. After a right hemicolectomy for treatment of colon cancer, a 57-year old client is reluctant to turn while on bed rest. Which action by the nurse would be appropriate?
- A. Asking a co-worker to help turn the client
- B. Explaining to the client why turning is important.
- C. Allowing the client to turn when he’s ready to do so
- D. Telling the client that the physician’s order states he must turn every 2 hours
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Educating the client about the importance of turning can encourage compliance and promote understanding of the necessity to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and pneumonia.
4. 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).
5. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
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