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. Your patient, Christopher, has a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis and has severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output. This may indicate which complication?
- A. Fistula.
- B. Bowel perforation.
- C. Bowel obstruction.
- D. Abscess.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Severe abdominal pain aggravated by movement, rebound tenderness, fever, nausea, and decreased urine output in a patient with ulcerative colitis may indicate bowel perforation.
3. To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine which body areas?
- A. Nail beds
- B. Skin on the back of the hand
- C. Hard palate of the mouth
- D. Soles of the feet
Correct answer: C
Rationale: To accurately assess for jaundice in a patient with dark skin pigmentation, the nurse should examine the hard palate of the mouth. Jaundice is best assessed in the sclera; however, in dark-skinned patients, normal yellow pigmentation may be present in the sclera, making it difficult to detect jaundice. Inspection of the hard palate for a yellow color can confirm the presence of jaundice. Cyanosis is best observed in the nail beds, not indicative of jaundice. While skin on the palm of the hand can indicate jaundice, the back of the hand is not a typical area for assessment. Jaundice can be assessed on the soles of the feet in dark-skinned patients, but it is better visualized in the hard palate for accurate evaluation.
4. Nathaniel has severe pruritus due to having hepatitis B. What is the best intervention for his comfort?
- A. Give tepid baths.
- B. Avoid lotions and creams.
- C. Use hot water to increase vasodilation.
- D. Use cold water to decrease the itching.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Giving tepid baths can help soothe severe pruritus due to hepatitis B.
5. Crohn’s disease can be described as a chronic relapsing disease. Which of the following areas in the GI system may be involved with this disease?
- A. The entire length of the large colon
- B. Only the sigmoid area
- C. The entire large colon through the layers of mucosa and submucosa
- D. The small intestine and colon; affecting the entire thickness of the bowel
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Crohn's disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus, but it commonly affects the small intestine and colon, involving the entire thickness of the bowel wall.
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