ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Elevated serum bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
2. 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.
3. A client who has ulcerative colitis has persistent diarrhea. He is thin and has lost 12 pounds since the exacerbation of his ulcerative colitis. The nurse should anticipate that the physician will order which of the following treatment approaches to help the client meet his nutritional needs?
- A. Initiate continuous enteral feedings
- B. Encourage a high protein, high-calorie diet
- C. Implement total parenteral nutrition
- D. Provide six small meals a day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Implementing total parenteral nutrition helps meet the nutritional needs of a client with persistent diarrhea and significant weight loss due to ulcerative colitis.
4. In a client with diarrhea, which outcome indicates that fluid resuscitation is successful?
- A. The client passes formed stools at regular intervals
- B. The client reports a decrease in stool frequency and liquidity
- C. The client exhibits firm skin turgor
- D. The client no longer experiences perianal burning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Firm skin turgor indicates adequate hydration, which is a key goal of fluid resuscitation. Formed stools, decreased stool frequency, and relief from perianal burning are important but do not directly indicate successful fluid resuscitation.
5. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of
- A. Dehydration
- B. Malnutrition
- C. Bleeding
- D. Infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.
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